Mr. Jane Baldridge (wife of John P. Baldridge)

MRS. JANE BALDRIDGE is one of the highly respected citizens of Grand Prairie Township, Jefferson County. She was born December 7, 1818, in Rutherford County, N. C., and is a daughter of Thomas Janes, who was born in the southern part of North Carolina June 12, 1786. On the 27th of January, 1814, he married Rebecca Boggs, and to them were born eight children, of whom four are yet living: Sarah, Martha, Nancy E. and Jane. Those who have passed away are, James, John P., Mary and Elizabeth.

The mother of this family passed away in 1831, and Mr. Janes was married February 28, 1832, to Alzirah Mitchell, by whom he had six children : Thomas, Catherine W., Lawson, William, Smythe and Alzirah.

Mr. Janes was a sturdy pioneer and a man of sterling integrity and worth. He held membership with the Presbyterian Church, and passed peacefully away December 2, 1856. His wife survived him but a few years, and died September 6, 1859.

Mrs. Baldridge spent her early girlhood days in her parents' home and became familiar with all household duties. At the age of sixteen she left the parental roof, and on the 30th of September, 1834, in Burke County, N. C., became the wife of John P. Baldridge. During that winter they emigrated westward and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Jefferson County, ILL., locating on Walnut Hill Prairie, where they remained until March 11, 1847, when they removed to a farm on section 18, Grand Prairie Township. There Mr. Baldridge purchased four hundred acres of choice farming land and greatly improved that property, making it a beautiful home, which was numbered among the finest farms of the county. He possessed good business ability, and through his well directed efforts he acquired a handsome competence.

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baldridge, of whom seven are yet living:

Rebecca J., wife of David P. McCuHough, a wealthy farmer residing near Irvington, ILL.;
James A., who married Lydia Pitchford and is living in Irvington;
Martha L., wife of John Turner, a successful agriculturist who now operates a portion of the old homestead;
John A., who married Sarah E. Fitzsimmons, and is located in Elwood, Neb.;
Julia, wife of Howard J. Hardy, an enterprising farmer of Grand Prairie Township;
Annette, wife of Robert Summerville, a successful farmer of the same township;
Rosetta, deceased, formerly the wife of Charles Miller, a physician of Brimfield, ILL.; and
Salem, who married Rachel A. Summerville and is living near Fullerton, Neb.

After her husband's death, which took place in Irvington April 6, 1869, Mrs. Baldridge moved onto the home farm again, and not only successfully managed it, but also reared her family and gave them good educational advantages, thus fitting them for the practical duties of life. After her children were of age the farm was divided, and she received seventy-six acres and the buildings for her share of the estate. Here she is still keeping house, and her home is noted for its hospitality.

She has the honor of being one of the pioneer ladies of the county, and is also one of the highly esteemed residents of the community. She has, besides her farm property, a fine residence in Irvington, which brings in a good income.

"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Published by Chapman Publishing Company of Chicago in 1894
Page 350-351
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer