The Baldwin Family of Pittsburg, Coos County, New Hampshire

Baldwin’s Store in Pittsburg, NH, one of Justus Baldwin’s merchant ventures, later run by his son Frank Baldwin.

It would be a sad event if the Baldwin family of Pittsburg New Hampshire were only remembered for their trained deer. Though owning performing deer that jumped through hoops was an interesting part of this family’s history, they had a much earlier and influential history in the town of Pittsburg, in the northern-most region of the state.

Following its brief existence as the Indian Stream Republic, and the resolution of the Canadian-American border, the town of Pittsburg, New Hampshire was incorporated in the November 1840 session of the New Hampshire legislature. The boundary line was officially recognized in 1842 with the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

The old Baldwin Store, most recently Moriah’s Restaurant, currently for rent (Pittsburg, NH)

About 11-13 years after the town was incorporated (between the years 1851-1853) Oscar F. and Ruby (May) Baldwin arrived from Canada with their four children. They eventually purchased 300 acres of land in the town of Pittsburg, and raised their family. When Oscar died, their oldest son James took over their farm, adding more property until it was 1,000 acres. But it is their second son, Justus Baldwin, and his progeny, that I will now focus on.

Justus Baldwin was born in 1848 in Barnston, PQ Canada, and had arrived as a young child in Pittsburg, growing up and attending the local schools. He was an enterprising man, a merchant. Donna Jordan, in her 2003 book, “New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lake Region,” states: “In October 1874, Justus W. Baldwin established a store in his house. As his line of goods grew, Justus built Baldwin’s General Store about a mile south of the present location (known today as Moriah’s Restaurant).” His business grew and soon (by 1895) he has brought his son Frank into business with him, to include a store, a warehouse, a grain elevator, and more. In his later years he conducted the summer hotel, Metallak Lodge, on the shore of Connecticut Lake. He was active in public affairs and had served many years as county commissioner. Justus Baldwin died in 1908.

Justus’ son, Frank W. Baldwin was about twenty years old in 1895 when his father brought

Simon Legree, sire of Topsy’s several set of twin deer. Trained to perform tricks by Frank Baldwin and kept in a pen near the general store.

him into his merchandising business, and after his father’s death in 1908, Frank rented out cabins that he inherited, and took over his father’s general store. The story goes that a three-day-old orphaned deer, near death in Clarksville NH, was brought home by Frank Baldwin and nursed to health. The baby adopted Frank and followed him everywhere.

He had the deer on display near the general store, and also, by newspaper accounts, trained them to jump through

Frank Baldwin and his trained deer, Simon Legree.

hoops and displayed them at several outdoor shows as far south as Boston, Massachusetts. Frank’s single deer soon grew to several–with Simon Legree being the male, and Topsy the female who produced at least three sets of twins. He named the third set of twins, Amos and Andy.

In 1940 Simon Legree apparently got loose during hunting season, and Frank has this special request published in the newspapers: “Frank Baldwin issued a frantic plea to hunters today to hold their fire in the event they came across any deer. He begged that, instead, they called out “Simon Legree.” It seems that one of Baldwin’s several tame deer escaped a week ago. If called by name, the trained deer will walk up and extend his right forefoot in a hand-shaking gesture.” [Tuesday, Nov 19 1940 Springfield Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), page 1]

Old postcard of Topsy with some of her children and great-grandchildren.

The Baldwins were descendants of Richard Baldwin, who emigrated to Massachusetts, in the American colonies, in 1637, residing in Milford, Connecticut by 1639. Their genealogy and more information on the Pittsburg NH Baldwins follows.

===GENEALOGY of the BALDWIN family of Pittsburg, Coos County, NH===
SEE The Baldwin Genealogy from 1500 to 1881, by Charles Candee Baldwin, 1881

Richard Baldwin, a weaver of Cholesbury, County Bucks England. His will dated 3 May 1630 names his son Joseph along with sons named Timothy and Nathaniel. Joseph and his brothers emigrated to Massachusetts in 1637, and moved to Milford CT by 1639.

—–Next Generation—–

Joseph Baldwin, son of Richard & Isabel (Harding) Baldwin, b. 1610 in England, d. 2 Nov 1684 in Hadley, Hampshire Co. MA. He m. 10 Nov 1636 in High Wycombe, Co. Suffolk England to Hannah Whitlock. She was b. 1616 and d. 1661. He was one of the first settlers of Milford CT, and his name appears on the first list of free planters dated 20 November 1639. His homestead was on lot 52 on West Farm Street. About 1663 the family removed to Hadley, MA. Children: +Joseph Baldwin Jr., Benjamin, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, Jonathan, David and Sarah.

—–Next Generation—–

Joseph Baldwin Jr., son of Joseph & Hannah (Whitlock) Baldwin, b. 23 June 1640 in Milford, New Haven Co., CT and d. 21 Nov 1681 in Hadley, Hampshire Co. MA. He m. by 1640 to Sarah Elizabeth Coley. She was b. 1648, and d. 1689. Children: +Joseph, Mercy, James, Hannah, Samuel and Mary.

—–Next Generation—–

Joseph Baldwin, son of Joseph & Sarah Elizabeth (Coley) Baldwin Jr., was b. 1 Oct 1663 in Milford, New Haven Co., CT and d. 22 Nov 1714 in Malden MA. He m. 26 June 1691 in Malden MA to Elizabeth Grover. She was b. 27 Oct 1652 in Malden MA and d. 2 June 1744 in Malden MA. Children: James, +Jonathan, Samuel and Elizabeth.

—–Next Generation—–

Jonathan Baldwin, son of Joseph & Elizabeth (Grover) Baldwin, was b. 4 May 1696 in Malden MA and d. 1761 in Spencer, Worcester Co. MA. He m. to Elizabeth Wiswell. She was b 1699 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co. MA and d. 29 Nov 1762 in Rehoboth MA. Children: Jonathan, +Thomas, Hannah, Elizabeth, David, Ruth, Mary, and Deborah

—–Next Generation—–

Thomas Baldwin, son of Jonathan & Elizabeth (Wiswell) Baldwin/Baulden, b. 26 Nov 1730 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co. MA, d. 1771 in Quebec, PQ, Canada. He m. 23 July 1752 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co. MA to Deborah Vickory. She was b. 5 Nov 1730 in Hingham, Plymouth MA and d. 1771 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Children: +Levi, Thomas, Marcy, Deborah, Hannah, Jonathan, Lydia, Israel, and Elizabeth.

—–Next Generation—–

Levi Baldwin, son of Thomas & Deborah (Vickory) Baldwin, b.25 April 1753 Rehoboth, Bristol MA, d. 1 Jan 1843 in Barnston, Que Canada; He m1) 19 Sep 1776 in Rehoboth, Bristol MA to Experience Goff. She was b. 27 Apr 1759 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co. MA and d. 1815 in Barnston, PQ, Canada; He m2) abt 1819 to Abigail Mills. She d. in 1830. He was the second pioneer of the settlement of Barnston, Canada. He started on No. 15, in the 16th Range, and moved his family early in 1799. Their experiences involved many hardships and privations.
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The Family of Levi Baldwin Excerpt from “Forest and Clearings: A History of Stanstead County” Page 297
“LEVI BALDWIN m. Experience Goff. They were natives of Connecticut settled on No. 15, 6th Range of Barnston, in 1799. She d. in 1815. He afterwards m. Abigail Mills. He d. in 1843. She d. in 1830. The children by the 1st marriage {with Experience Goff} were Huldah, who m. Augustus Taplin; Lotes, m. Sarah Lamb; Richard, m. Betsey Drew; Deborah, m. John Lamb; and Patience, who m. Joseph Drew. The children by the 2nd marriage were Elizabeth, who m. Horace Cutting; ESQ. Percival m. Jenett Baker; and Huldah, who m. Amos K. Fox, Esq.”
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Children of Levi & Experience (Goff) Baldwin:
1. Lotes Baldwin, b. 1783, d. 1858; m.. Sarah Lamb
2. Huldah Baldwin, b. 1784 d. 1863; m. Augustus Taplin
3. +Richard Baldwin, b. 1785, d. 1863
4. Deborah Baldwin, b. 1787, d. 1870; m. John Lamb
5. Patience Baldwin, b. 1789, d. 1870; m. Joseph Drew
6. Levi Baldwin, b. 1792, d. 1795
Children of Levi & Abigail (Mills) Baldwin:
7. Laura Elizabeth Baldwin, b. 1820, d. 1892; m. Horace Cutting
8. John Percival Baldwin, b 1822, d. 1892; m. Jennet Baker
9. Huldah Abigail Baldwin, b. 1830, d. 1912; m. Amos K. Fox

—–Next Generation—–

Richard Baldwin son of Levi & Experience (Goff) Baldwin, b. 30 May 1785 Westminster, Windham Co. VT, d 23 April 1863 in Coaticook, Stanstead PQ Canada; m. abt 1808 to Betsey Drew, daughter of Isaac & Priscilla (Lord) Drew. She b. 18 Sep 1787 in Barnston PQ Canada, d 8 Aug 1856 in Coaticook, PQ Canada. They settled on Nos. 16 and 17 in the 9th Range of Barford, PQ, Canada.
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Mentioned in Forest and Clearings, book on Stanstead PQ – page1; page2; page3
–Family of Richard Baldwin, Sen.–
Richard Baldwin, Sen., b. 30 May 1785–m. Betsey Drew, b. Sept 18, 1797. They settled on Nos. 16 and 17, 9th Range of Barford. He d. April 23, 1863; she d. April 8, 1856. Their children were Richard, Betsey, m. Parker Tabor; Isaac M. Lucretia GLover, Levi, Huldah m. Thomas Tabor, Lewis m. Mary Thomas; Mary m. Willard May; Ezra; Walter m. Abby Stoddard; Rufus m and settled in Wisconsin; Elvira m. Jesse Heath; Oscar who m. Ruby May***
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Children of Richard & Betsey (Drew) Baldwin:
1. Richard Baldwin b 1808, d. 1877; m. Sophia Chesley [more in Forest & Clearings]
2. Betsey Baldwin, b. 1809; m. Parker Tabor
3. Levi Baldwin, b. 1811, d. 1877
4. Lewis Baldwin, b. 1813, d. 1882; m. Mary Thomas
5. Isaac Baldwin, b. 1815, d. 1887; m. Lucretia Glover
6. + Oscar F. Baldwin, b. 31 Dec 1817 in Quebec Canada; m. Ruby May
7. Huldah Baldwin, b. 1819; m. Thomas Tabor
8. Betsey Baldwin, b. 1821
9. Elvira Baldwin, b. 1821, d. 1843; m. Jesse Heath
10. Walter Baldwin, b. 1823; m. Abby Stoddard
11. Rufus Arthur Baldwin, b. 1825 Canada-East; m. and settled in Wisconsin; m. 16 April 1865 in West Point, Columbia, Wisconsin to Mary Maloney-Drew, daughter of Edmond & Mary (Winter) Maloney.
12. Mary A. Baldwin, b. 1826, d. 1868; m. Willard May
13. Ezra H. Baldwin, b. 1831, d. 1889

—–Next Generation—–

Old postcard of Pittsburg NH town.

Oscar F. Baldwin, son of Richard & Betsey (Drew) Baldwin, b. 31 Dec 1817 in Quebec, Canada, d 26 Aug 1861 [1816-1878 per cemetery book] in Pittsburg NH; m. 7 Nov 1843 in the Baptist Church of Stanstead, PQ Canada to Ruby May, daughter of Hezekiah & Sarah (Hayes) May. She b. 19 May 1820 Stanstead PQ Canada, d 1903 Pittsburg NH. [Her birth info from “The House of May: a four-century history, by William Allen May, page 160]. Oscar was one of the signers of a petition in 1849-1850 to have Stanstead Co. PQ Canada become part of the United States (it was printed in the Stanstead Journal). About 1853 they moved to Pittsburg NH and eventually purchased 300 acres of land. When Oscar died, their son James took over their farm, adding more property until it was 1,000 acres.
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Children of Oscar & Ruby (May) Baldwin:
1. James Walter “Walt” Baldwin, b 2 June 1846 Barnston PQ Canada, d. 6 Oct 1932 in Pittsburg NH age 86; single. 10 days before his death he was injured by a horse.
2. +Justus “Justice” Baldwin, b. 6 Feb 1848 Barnston, PQ, Canada
3. George W. Baldwin, b. 2 Sep 1849 Barnston PQ Canada; d. 15 Aug 1921 Pittsburg NH; He m. 9 Feb 1909 in Portland Maine to Nettie N. Blodgett, daughter of Edwin & Lucy (Fellows) Blodgett. She was b. 27 Jan 1861 Lunenburg VT; d. 7 Sep 1919 Pittsburg NH The 1910 census shows them living in Pittsburg NH, no children. In 1920 he is living in Pittsburg, a widow, with his “brother-in-law” Harry Hall and wife Lucy.
4. +Sarah M. Baldwin b 29 June 1851 in Barnstone PQ Canada; d. 17 April 1930 Pittsburg NH; She m. 31 Dec 1871 in Pittsburg NH to Hiram Augustus Blanchard

—–Next Generation—–

1924 advertisement of the Justice Baldwin cabin for rent.

Justus W. “Justice” Baldwin, son of Oscar & Ruby (May) Baldwin, b. 6 Feb 1848 Barnston PQ Canada, died 26 March 1908 in Pittsburg NH [per his estate papers filed]. He m. 22 Aug 1872 to Isobelle/Isabel “Bell” Aldrich, dau of Ephraim Collins & Adaline Bedell (Haynes) Aldrich. She b. 14 Dec 1851 in Pittsburg NH, and d. 10 Jan 1918 in Pittsburg NH [per cemetery record]. In 1900 living in Pittsburg, Coos Co. NH. He was a merchant. The 1900 census states he immigrated to the United States in 1851. In 1874 he was appointed postmaster at Pittsburg NH. He is buried in Indian Stream Cemetery, Pittsburg NH. He conducted a store [shown in 1875 newspaper], and the summer hotel, Metallak Lodge on the Connecticut Lake. He served many years as a county commissioner.
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December 29, 1875 New Hampshire Patriot and Gazette
announced Collectors Sale of Non-Resident Lands. To be sold at auction at the store of Justus W. Baldwin in the town of Pittsburg, NH.
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January 26, 1886, Boston Herald
Per the newspaper, Justus W. Baldwin, administrator for Ira S. Waldron of Stewartstown, sued the Grand Trunk railway for ejecting Mr. Waldron from the train, and was killed by a freight train.
–Feb 18, 1886–
The trial of the case of Justus W. Baldwin, administrator vs the Grand Trunk railway, brought to recover $10,000 for causing the death of Ira S. Waldron of Stuartstown, which was in progress before the supreme court for Coos county in Colebrook for several days, results in a verdict for the plaintiff for $3500.
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Granite Monthly: A New Hampshire Magazine, Volume 40, page 227
NECROLOGY: JUSTUS W. BALDWIN
Justus W. Baldwin, born in Barnston, P.Q., February 6, 1848, died in Pittsburg NH March 26, 1908. He was of staunch New England stock, being descended from John Baldwin of Bucks County, England, who settled in Milford, Conn in 1639. He removed with his parents to Pittsburg in infancy, and ever after remained in the town, engaged in agriculture and general merchandise, but during recent years had conducted the summer hotel, Metallak Lodge, on the shore of Connecticut Lake. He was active in public affairs and had served many years as county commissioner. August 22, 1872 he was united in marriage with Isabelle Adrich, daughter of Ephraim C. and Adeline (Bedell) Aldrich, and sister of Judge Edgar Aldrich of Littleton, who survives him, with three children.
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1900 US Census > NH > Coos> Pittsburg
Justice Baldwin, Head M 51 Canada-English b Feb 1849 Can-E Can-D
Isobelle Baldwin Wife F 48 NH
Lucy Baldwin dau F 6 NH [b Aug 1894]
Edwin S. Readi Boarder M 33 NH
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Children of Justice W. & Isabel (Aldrich) Baldwin:
1. Ida Aldrich Baldwin,  b. 12 July 1873 in Pittsburg NH, d. 5 May 1936 in Attleboro MA; m. 25 Dec 1894 in Pittsburg NH to Rev. George Willard Farmer, son of James A. & Anna B. (?) Farmer. At the time of her death, her residence was 761 Hanover St., Manchester NH. She is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester NH.
2. +Frank Walter Baldwin, b 18 December 1875 in Pittsburg NH
3. Lucy Mae “Lucie” “Lucille” Baldwin, b. Aug 1894, d. c1970-1898 Morrsillve, Lamoille Co. VT; m. 24 June 1915 in Pittsburg NH to Elwin I. Wheeler [Jeremiah Elwyn Wheeler],

Sarah M. Baldwin, daughter of of Oscar & Ruby (May) Baldwin, b 29 June 1851 in Barnstone PQ Canada; d. 17 April 1930 Pittsburg NH; She m. 31 Dec 1871 in Pittsburg NH to Hiram Augustus Blanchard, son of Timothy & Diana (Aldrich) Blanchard. He b. 6 July 1851 in Pittsburg NH and d. 5 March 1926 in Pittsburg NH.
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Children of Hiram A. & Sarah M. (Baldwin) Blanchard:
1. Austin T. Blanchard, b. 13 Aug 1874 in Pittsburg, Coos Co. NH; d. 11 Aug 1898 in Pittsburg NH of consumption; m. 10 Oct 1893 in Clarksville NH to Etta A. Young, daughter of Josiah & Nancie E. (?) Young.
2. Jesse A. Blanchard, b. 23 March 1881 Pittsburg NH; d. 5 Feb 1963 in Los Angeles, California. He is buried in Indian Stream Cemetery, Pittsburg NH
3. Ida Mildred Blanchard, b. 30 May 1894, d. 18 June 1895 Pittsburg NH

—–Next Generation—–

Frank Walter Baldwin, son of Justus & Isabel (Aldrich) Baldwin b. 18 December 1875 in Pittsburg NH, d. 22 Dec 1964 Pittsburg NH. [SSDI] (cemetery listing erroneously says 1954) He m. 20 January 1897 to Eda Leavitt, dau of Henry M. & Sarah E. (?) Leavitt. She b 21 January 1877 in Colebrook NH, d. 10 May 1943. At the time of their marriage he was a merchant and she was a teacher.
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1910 US Census > NH > Coos > Pittsburg
Frank W. Baldwin Head M 34 NH
Eda L. Baldwin wife F 33 NH
Ellen L. Baldwin dau F 12 NH
Harry J Baldwin son M 9 NH
Hollis W. Baldwin son M 1 NH
Laura M. Wheeler F 18 NH servant
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1920 US Census > NH > Coos > Pittsburg
Frank W. Baldwin Head M NH
Harry W. Baldwin son M 19 NH
Grover C. Percy Boarder M 25 VT
Mildred E. Percy Housekeeper F 22 NH
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June 25, 1911 Springfield Republican, Springfield MA, page 18
Lakeside Inn and Cottages, Frank W. Baldwin, Prop
SEE AD
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Sunday April 13 1924 Boston Herald
Summer Homes etc to let
To Let–Late Judge Aldrich Camp
Connecticut Lake, N.H.
“This camp has been thoroughly renovated inside and out. It is completely furnished and has large living room with large field stone fireplace, dining room, kitchen. 4 bedrooms and bath, with flush toilet. Running spring water, $250 for the season. Might consider selling; also some log cabin camps near the head of the first Connecticut Lake to let at reasonable rentals. Frank W. Baldwin, Pittbourg, N.H.
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Feb 3, 1936
The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, re: Boston MA, New England Sportsmen’s and Motor Boat Show
Part of the New Hampshire display: “The trained deer loaned by Frank Baldwin, merchant and lumberman of Pittsburg, is expected to jump through hoops and perform other feats, and live deer, not quite so accomplished also are on display….”
————
In 1939 “Frank W. Baldwin of Pittsburgh [sic] N.H., with his six jumping deer.
Feb 4, 1939 Boston Herald, page 3
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Tuesday, Nov 19 1940 Springfield Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), page 1
N.H. Hunters Urged to Look Out for Pet
Pittsburg, N.H. Nov 18 — (AP)–
Frank Baldwin issued a frantic plea to hunters today to hold their fire in the event they came across any deer. He begged that, instead, they called out “Simon Legree.” It seems that one of Baldwin’s several tame deer escaped a week ago. If called by name, the trained

Hollis Walter Baldwin from the UNH Yearbook, “The Granite”in 1930.

deer will walk up and extend his right forefoot in a hand-shaking gesture.”
———————-
Children of Frank W. & Eda (Leavitt) Baldwin:
1. Ellen L. Baldwin, b 11 May 1898 in Pittsburg NH
2. Harry Justus Baldwin, b. 6 Nov 1900 Pittsburg NH; d. 4 Sep 1982, age 73 in Barre, Washington Co. NH; He m. 15 April 1939 in Cambridge MA to Helen Elizabeth Porter.
3. Hollis W. “Baldy” Baldwin, b 30 May 1908 in Pittsburg, NH, d. Aug 1972 in Barre, Washington Co. VT; In 1940 single, assistant manager of the general store, in Pittsburg, Coos Co. NH. He graduated from the University of NH with a degree in liberal arts in 1930. .
4. Justus Willard Baldwin, b. 8 April 1911

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