James H. Baird, farmer, residing on section 30, Prophetstown Township, and the proprietor of 340 acres located theron, is a son of James and Mary (Wilson) Baird, and was born in Perry Co. Ohio, Jan. 7, 1834. His father was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and a native of PA and his mother, of Scotch-Irish descent, a native of Washington, same State. His father died when Mr. Baird was five years old, and he resided with his mother and sisters until he had attained the age of thirty years. At the death of the father the family were left in straitened circumstances, and James H. was compelled to labor for their maintenance, receiving only the limited education by the common schools. His mother was a sister of Colonel Wilson, of Sterling, this county, who is deceased.
Mr. Baird was united in marriage in Hopkins Township, at the residence of his brother, May 24, 1864 to Martha Brown. She was the daughter of Isaac and Ellen Brown and was born Dec. 12, 1834. Mr. Baird returned with his bride to Ohio, where he had previously purchased the interest of the heirs of the old homestead. In the fall of 1864, he sold his farm and came to this county and bought the place on which he at present resides. He moved his family here in March 1865 and has made this his residence ever since. He has made a number of improvements on his place, erected a nice residence and one of the finest barns in this part of the county, He has some exceedingly fine horses and cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Baird have five children, born in Prophetstown Township - Ada I., April 30, 1867; Zella April 14, 1869; Mary E., Jan. 13, 1871; Jessie July 2, 1875 and Emma June 10, 1877.
Mr. Baird is Drain Commissioner of his district, has spent considerable time in the exercise of his office, and takes great interest in the work. He was an officer of the School Board 12 years.
Portraits & Biographical 1885 Pg 686/Contributed by Wilson DeCamp
