The subject of this sketch, whose portrait it affords us much pleasure to produce in this history, is one of the earliest as well as one of the most prominent settlers of the beautiful San Ramon valley. He is a native of Eastern Ohio, and was born March 30, 1828.
When but a child his parents moved to Summit county, same State, where our subject received a common school education, and resided on his father's farm until 1850. When in his twenty-second year he left his home to seek his fortune in the Golden West. On March 18th of that year, he, with a brother (now deceased), and six companions, started with mule-teams to cross the plains and mountains to the "land of promise" California.
When they arrived at North Platte they found that their progress was not as fast as they wished, and that their teams were failing and their provisions running short. They concluded that they had better abandon their wagons, and pack in order to hasten through. Halting for one day, they hastily constructed some pack-saddles with the harness and such things as they had on hand. Provided with two mules each, they resumed their journey, going by the way of Salt Lake, expecting there to obtain what provisions they were in need of. Much to their disappointment on arriving at Salt Lake they found that they could not buy any groceries nor flour, (harvest not having set in,) but they were fortunate enough to exchange some tea and sugar for a little cornmeal. With what they had they resumed their wearisome journey, and in order that their provisions might last until they could obtain more, each and every man was rationed receiving a small portion every day. Yet they were all very cheerful and looked forward for better times. This way of living continued about three weeks, at the end of which time their appetites were pretty well sharpened. They arrived at the Sink of the Humboldt river, all well.
Before crossing the much dreaded desert of forty miles, they sat down and ate the last of their provisions, and filling their canteens with water, started about four o'clock in the afternoon. There was no fear of mistaking the road, for it was lined with abandoned wagons, and dead animals were strewn about. They traveled all night, and arrived at Carson river about eight o'clock in the morning. There they met the first team with provisions from California, and not having had any food since they started across the desert, they were compelled to purchase some, notwith standing that everything was sold at two dollars per pound. They did not buy more than for their immediate use, for as they came nearer to their journey's end, provisions got cheaper. Having crossed the mountains, they arrived at Hangtown, (now Placerville,) July 28, 1850. Here Mr. Baldwin embarked in mining for the Winter, and in the following Spring he removed to the North Fork of the Feather river, and there prosecuted mining until the Fall of 1852, when he came to Contra Costa county to visit some friends who were living in San Ramon valley. Impressed with the beauties of the valley and the surrounding country, Mr. Baldwin concluded to make it his future home, and in . partnership with Wm. Meese (at present his next neighbor, and one of his companions across the plains), purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which they followed until the year 1855, when they divided their ranch, each taking one hundred and sixty acres, our subject choosing the place where he now resides. He has since added to his estate, until he possesses one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of nine hundred acres, one and a half miles southeast of Danville, and on which well appointed farm he resides. Mr. Baldwin is now prepared to enjoy the comforts attending a well-spent and useful life, surrounded by his interesting family, and having the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county in which he lives.
He was united in marriage in San Ramon valley, March 25, 1858, to Miss Mary Cox, a native of Indiana, by whom he has six children. Their names are May M., now Mrs. Dr. W. E. Hook, born May 1, 1859 ; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., Jr., born April 20, 1865 ; Jennie C., born December 30,1866; Perry A., born August 14,1869; and John F., born December 20, 1873. Mrs. R. O. Baldwin was born January 9, 1838.
- "History Of Contra Costa County, California, Including Its Geography, Geology, Topography, Climatography And Description; Together With A Record Of The Mexican Grants ... Also, Incidents Of Pioneer Life; And Biographical Sketches Of Early And Prominent Settlers And Representative Men; And Of Its Towns, Villages, Churches, Secret Societies, Etc." By J.P. Munro-fraser; San Francisco : W.A. Slocum & Co., 1882.
==
Robert O. Baldwin was a California pioneer, lived in the state for over a half century and his life work constituted a permanent contribution to the agricultural development of Contra Costa County.
He was born in the State of Ohio, March 30, 1828, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and as a youth of twenty-two broke the ties of home and kindred, setting out March 18, 1850 across the plains for the newly discovered gold fields of California. His journey was made by way of Salt Lake City and eventually brought him to the historic old settlement of Hangtown, California. For three years his efforts were directed in the gold mining fields, but the work that constituted his real success was agriculture and live stock. He first bought three hundred and twenty acres of land and eventually became the owner of an estate of more than a thousand acres in Contra Costa County near Danville. His energy and good management set an example of what could be accomplished by properly conducted agricultural and live stock enterprise in the beautiful San Ramon Valley. He was also active in community affairs, serving many years as a school trustee in his home locality.
Robert O. Baldwin married Miss Mary Cox, who was born in Indiana, January 7, 1838. They were married at Danville, California, March 25, 1858, and they lived more than a half a century in Contra Costa County, where both of them passed on. The death of Robert O. Baldwin occurred April 26, 1908, and that of his wife on October 9, 1914. Just a month before the death of R. O. Baldwin there was celebrated at Danville as a public event the golden wedding anniversary of this venerable old couple. It was an occasion for people all over the county to meet and offer congratulations to the husband and wife who had shared life's duties and joys together through such a long period.
The children of these honored pioneers were: May Margaret, born May 1, 1859; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., born April 20, 1865; Jennie C, born December 30, 1866; Perry A., now deceased, born August 14, 1869, and John F., born December 20, 1873.
The daughter May Margaret, now residing at 782 Delores Street in San Francisco, was graduated from the Napa Ladies' Seminary, June 1, 1877. Her first husband was the late Dr. Walter E. Hook. C)n the 14th of October, 1896, she married Mr. E. C. Gilbert.
Robert Oliver Baldwin, Jr., son of the pioneer, gained an enviable reputation as a successful physician and surgeon in California and is practicing at the City of Oakland. He was born in Danville, in Contra Costa County, April 20, 1865, and was liberally educated in preparation for his chosen vocation.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., 1924
When but a child his parents moved to Summit county, same State, where our subject received a common school education, and resided on his father's farm until 1850. When in his twenty-second year he left his home to seek his fortune in the Golden West. On March 18th of that year, he, with a brother (now deceased), and six companions, started with mule-teams to cross the plains and mountains to the "land of promise" California.
When they arrived at North Platte they found that their progress was not as fast as they wished, and that their teams were failing and their provisions running short. They concluded that they had better abandon their wagons, and pack in order to hasten through. Halting for one day, they hastily constructed some pack-saddles with the harness and such things as they had on hand. Provided with two mules each, they resumed their journey, going by the way of Salt Lake, expecting there to obtain what provisions they were in need of. Much to their disappointment on arriving at Salt Lake they found that they could not buy any groceries nor flour, (harvest not having set in,) but they were fortunate enough to exchange some tea and sugar for a little cornmeal. With what they had they resumed their wearisome journey, and in order that their provisions might last until they could obtain more, each and every man was rationed receiving a small portion every day. Yet they were all very cheerful and looked forward for better times. This way of living continued about three weeks, at the end of which time their appetites were pretty well sharpened. They arrived at the Sink of the Humboldt river, all well.
Before crossing the much dreaded desert of forty miles, they sat down and ate the last of their provisions, and filling their canteens with water, started about four o'clock in the afternoon. There was no fear of mistaking the road, for it was lined with abandoned wagons, and dead animals were strewn about. They traveled all night, and arrived at Carson river about eight o'clock in the morning. There they met the first team with provisions from California, and not having had any food since they started across the desert, they were compelled to purchase some, notwith standing that everything was sold at two dollars per pound. They did not buy more than for their immediate use, for as they came nearer to their journey's end, provisions got cheaper. Having crossed the mountains, they arrived at Hangtown, (now Placerville,) July 28, 1850. Here Mr. Baldwin embarked in mining for the Winter, and in the following Spring he removed to the North Fork of the Feather river, and there prosecuted mining until the Fall of 1852, when he came to Contra Costa county to visit some friends who were living in San Ramon valley. Impressed with the beauties of the valley and the surrounding country, Mr. Baldwin concluded to make it his future home, and in . partnership with Wm. Meese (at present his next neighbor, and one of his companions across the plains), purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which they followed until the year 1855, when they divided their ranch, each taking one hundred and sixty acres, our subject choosing the place where he now resides. He has since added to his estate, until he possesses one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of nine hundred acres, one and a half miles southeast of Danville, and on which well appointed farm he resides. Mr. Baldwin is now prepared to enjoy the comforts attending a well-spent and useful life, surrounded by his interesting family, and having the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county in which he lives.
He was united in marriage in San Ramon valley, March 25, 1858, to Miss Mary Cox, a native of Indiana, by whom he has six children. Their names are May M., now Mrs. Dr. W. E. Hook, born May 1, 1859 ; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., Jr., born April 20, 1865 ; Jennie C., born December 30,1866; Perry A., born August 14,1869; and John F., born December 20, 1873. Mrs. R. O. Baldwin was born January 9, 1838.
- "History Of Contra Costa County, California, Including Its Geography, Geology, Topography, Climatography And Description; Together With A Record Of The Mexican Grants ... Also, Incidents Of Pioneer Life; And Biographical Sketches Of Early And Prominent Settlers And Representative Men; And Of Its Towns, Villages, Churches, Secret Societies, Etc." By J.P. Munro-fraser; San Francisco : W.A. Slocum & Co., 1882.
==
Robert O. Baldwin was a California pioneer, lived in the state for over a half century and his life work constituted a permanent contribution to the agricultural development of Contra Costa County.
He was born in the State of Ohio, March 30, 1828, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and as a youth of twenty-two broke the ties of home and kindred, setting out March 18, 1850 across the plains for the newly discovered gold fields of California. His journey was made by way of Salt Lake City and eventually brought him to the historic old settlement of Hangtown, California. For three years his efforts were directed in the gold mining fields, but the work that constituted his real success was agriculture and live stock. He first bought three hundred and twenty acres of land and eventually became the owner of an estate of more than a thousand acres in Contra Costa County near Danville. His energy and good management set an example of what could be accomplished by properly conducted agricultural and live stock enterprise in the beautiful San Ramon Valley. He was also active in community affairs, serving many years as a school trustee in his home locality.
Robert O. Baldwin married Miss Mary Cox, who was born in Indiana, January 7, 1838. They were married at Danville, California, March 25, 1858, and they lived more than a half a century in Contra Costa County, where both of them passed on. The death of Robert O. Baldwin occurred April 26, 1908, and that of his wife on October 9, 1914. Just a month before the death of R. O. Baldwin there was celebrated at Danville as a public event the golden wedding anniversary of this venerable old couple. It was an occasion for people all over the county to meet and offer congratulations to the husband and wife who had shared life's duties and joys together through such a long period.
The children of these honored pioneers were: May Margaret, born May 1, 1859; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., born April 20, 1865; Jennie C, born December 30, 1866; Perry A., now deceased, born August 14, 1869, and John F., born December 20, 1873.
The daughter May Margaret, now residing at 782 Delores Street in San Francisco, was graduated from the Napa Ladies' Seminary, June 1, 1877. Her first husband was the late Dr. Walter E. Hook. C)n the 14th of October, 1896, she married Mr. E. C. Gilbert.
Robert Oliver Baldwin, Jr., son of the pioneer, gained an enviable reputation as a successful physician and surgeon in California and is practicing at the City of Oakland. He was born in Danville, in Contra Costa County, April 20, 1865, and was liberally educated in preparation for his chosen vocation.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., 1924
The subject of this sketch, whose portrait it affords us much pleasure to produce in this history, is one of the earliest as well as one of the most prominent settlers of the beautiful San Ramon valley. He is a native of Eastern Ohio, and was born March 30, 1828.
When but a child his parents moved to Summit county, same State, where our subject received a common school education, and resided on his father's farm until 1850. When in his twenty-second year he left his home to seek his fortune in the Golden West. On March 18th of that year, he, with a brother (now deceased), and six companions, started with mule-teams to cross the plains and mountains to the "land of promise" California.
When they arrived at North Platte they found that their progress was not as fast as they wished, and that their teams were failing and their provisions running short. They concluded that they had better abandon their wagons, and pack in order to hasten through. Halting for one day, they hastily constructed some pack-saddles with the harness and such things as they had on hand. Provided with two mules each, they resumed their journey, going by the way of Salt Lake, expecting there to obtain what provisions they were in need of. Much to their disappointment on arriving at Salt Lake they found that they could not buy any groceries nor flour, (harvest not having set in,) but they were fortunate enough to exchange some tea and sugar for a little cornmeal. With what they had they resumed their wearisome journey, and in order that their provisions might last until they could obtain more, each and every man was rationed receiving a small portion every day. Yet they were all very cheerful and looked forward for better times. This way of living continued about three weeks, at the end of which time their appetites were pretty well sharpened. They arrived at the Sink of the Humboldt river, all well.
Before crossing the much dreaded desert of forty miles, they sat down and ate the last of their provisions, and filling their canteens with water, started about four o'clock in the afternoon. There was no fear of mistaking the road, for it was lined with abandoned wagons, and dead animals were strewn about. They traveled all night, and arrived at Carson river about eight o'clock in the morning. There they met the first team with provisions from California, and not having had any food since they started across the desert, they were compelled to purchase some, notwith standing that everything was sold at two dollars per pound. They did not buy more than for their immediate use, for as they came nearer to their journey's end, provisions got cheaper. Having crossed the mountains, they arrived at Hangtown, (now Placerville,) July 28, 1850. Here Mr. Baldwin embarked in mining for the Winter, and in the following Spring he removed to the North Fork of the Feather river, and there prosecuted mining until the Fall of 1852, when he came to Contra Costa county to visit some friends who were living in San Ramon valley. Impressed with the beauties of the valley and the surrounding country, Mr. Baldwin concluded to make it his future home, and in . partnership with Wm. Meese (at present his next neighbor, and one of his companions across the plains), purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which they followed until the year 1855, when they divided their ranch, each taking one hundred and sixty acres, our subject choosing the place where he now resides. He has since added to his estate, until he possesses one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of nine hundred acres, one and a half miles southeast of Danville, and on which well appointed farm he resides. Mr. Baldwin is now prepared to enjoy the comforts attending a well-spent and useful life, surrounded by his interesting family, and having the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county in which he lives.
He was united in marriage in San Ramon valley, March 25, 1858, to Miss Mary Cox, a native of Indiana, by whom he has six children. Their names are May M., now Mrs. Dr. W. E. Hook, born May 1, 1859 ; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., Jr., born April 20, 1865 ; Jennie C., born December 30,1866; Perry A., born August 14,1869; and John F., born December 20, 1873. Mrs. R. O. Baldwin was born January 9, 1838.
- "History Of Contra Costa County, California, Including Its Geography, Geology, Topography, Climatography And Description; Together With A Record Of The Mexican Grants ... Also, Incidents Of Pioneer Life; And Biographical Sketches Of Early And Prominent Settlers And Representative Men; And Of Its Towns, Villages, Churches, Secret Societies, Etc." By J.P. Munro-fraser; San Francisco : W.A. Slocum & Co., 1882.
==
Robert O. Baldwin was a California pioneer, lived in the state for over a half century and his life work constituted a permanent contribution to the agricultural development of Contra Costa County.
He was born in the State of Ohio, March 30, 1828, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and as a youth of twenty-two broke the ties of home and kindred, setting out March 18, 1850 across the plains for the newly discovered gold fields of California. His journey was made by way of Salt Lake City and eventually brought him to the historic old settlement of Hangtown, California. For three years his efforts were directed in the gold mining fields, but the work that constituted his real success was agriculture and live stock. He first bought three hundred and twenty acres of land and eventually became the owner of an estate of more than a thousand acres in Contra Costa County near Danville. His energy and good management set an example of what could be accomplished by properly conducted agricultural and live stock enterprise in the beautiful San Ramon Valley. He was also active in community affairs, serving many years as a school trustee in his home locality.
Robert O. Baldwin married Miss Mary Cox, who was born in Indiana, January 7, 1838. They were married at Danville, California, March 25, 1858, and they lived more than a half a century in Contra Costa County, where both of them passed on. The death of Robert O. Baldwin occurred April 26, 1908, and that of his wife on October 9, 1914. Just a month before the death of R. O. Baldwin there was celebrated at Danville as a public event the golden wedding anniversary of this venerable old couple. It was an occasion for people all over the county to meet and offer congratulations to the husband and wife who had shared life's duties and joys together through such a long period.
The children of these honored pioneers were: May Margaret, born May 1, 1859; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., born April 20, 1865; Jennie C, born December 30, 1866; Perry A., now deceased, born August 14, 1869, and John F., born December 20, 1873.
The daughter May Margaret, now residing at 782 Delores Street in San Francisco, was graduated from the Napa Ladies' Seminary, June 1, 1877. Her first husband was the late Dr. Walter E. Hook. C)n the 14th of October, 1896, she married Mr. E. C. Gilbert.
Robert Oliver Baldwin, Jr., son of the pioneer, gained an enviable reputation as a successful physician and surgeon in California and is practicing at the City of Oakland. He was born in Danville, in Contra Costa County, April 20, 1865, and was liberally educated in preparation for his chosen vocation.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., 1924
When but a child his parents moved to Summit county, same State, where our subject received a common school education, and resided on his father's farm until 1850. When in his twenty-second year he left his home to seek his fortune in the Golden West. On March 18th of that year, he, with a brother (now deceased), and six companions, started with mule-teams to cross the plains and mountains to the "land of promise" California.
When they arrived at North Platte they found that their progress was not as fast as they wished, and that their teams were failing and their provisions running short. They concluded that they had better abandon their wagons, and pack in order to hasten through. Halting for one day, they hastily constructed some pack-saddles with the harness and such things as they had on hand. Provided with two mules each, they resumed their journey, going by the way of Salt Lake, expecting there to obtain what provisions they were in need of. Much to their disappointment on arriving at Salt Lake they found that they could not buy any groceries nor flour, (harvest not having set in,) but they were fortunate enough to exchange some tea and sugar for a little cornmeal. With what they had they resumed their wearisome journey, and in order that their provisions might last until they could obtain more, each and every man was rationed receiving a small portion every day. Yet they were all very cheerful and looked forward for better times. This way of living continued about three weeks, at the end of which time their appetites were pretty well sharpened. They arrived at the Sink of the Humboldt river, all well.
Before crossing the much dreaded desert of forty miles, they sat down and ate the last of their provisions, and filling their canteens with water, started about four o'clock in the afternoon. There was no fear of mistaking the road, for it was lined with abandoned wagons, and dead animals were strewn about. They traveled all night, and arrived at Carson river about eight o'clock in the morning. There they met the first team with provisions from California, and not having had any food since they started across the desert, they were compelled to purchase some, notwith standing that everything was sold at two dollars per pound. They did not buy more than for their immediate use, for as they came nearer to their journey's end, provisions got cheaper. Having crossed the mountains, they arrived at Hangtown, (now Placerville,) July 28, 1850. Here Mr. Baldwin embarked in mining for the Winter, and in the following Spring he removed to the North Fork of the Feather river, and there prosecuted mining until the Fall of 1852, when he came to Contra Costa county to visit some friends who were living in San Ramon valley. Impressed with the beauties of the valley and the surrounding country, Mr. Baldwin concluded to make it his future home, and in . partnership with Wm. Meese (at present his next neighbor, and one of his companions across the plains), purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which they followed until the year 1855, when they divided their ranch, each taking one hundred and sixty acres, our subject choosing the place where he now resides. He has since added to his estate, until he possesses one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of nine hundred acres, one and a half miles southeast of Danville, and on which well appointed farm he resides. Mr. Baldwin is now prepared to enjoy the comforts attending a well-spent and useful life, surrounded by his interesting family, and having the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county in which he lives.
He was united in marriage in San Ramon valley, March 25, 1858, to Miss Mary Cox, a native of Indiana, by whom he has six children. Their names are May M., now Mrs. Dr. W. E. Hook, born May 1, 1859 ; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., Jr., born April 20, 1865 ; Jennie C., born December 30,1866; Perry A., born August 14,1869; and John F., born December 20, 1873. Mrs. R. O. Baldwin was born January 9, 1838.
- "History Of Contra Costa County, California, Including Its Geography, Geology, Topography, Climatography And Description; Together With A Record Of The Mexican Grants ... Also, Incidents Of Pioneer Life; And Biographical Sketches Of Early And Prominent Settlers And Representative Men; And Of Its Towns, Villages, Churches, Secret Societies, Etc." By J.P. Munro-fraser; San Francisco : W.A. Slocum & Co., 1882.
==
Robert O. Baldwin was a California pioneer, lived in the state for over a half century and his life work constituted a permanent contribution to the agricultural development of Contra Costa County.
He was born in the State of Ohio, March 30, 1828, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and as a youth of twenty-two broke the ties of home and kindred, setting out March 18, 1850 across the plains for the newly discovered gold fields of California. His journey was made by way of Salt Lake City and eventually brought him to the historic old settlement of Hangtown, California. For three years his efforts were directed in the gold mining fields, but the work that constituted his real success was agriculture and live stock. He first bought three hundred and twenty acres of land and eventually became the owner of an estate of more than a thousand acres in Contra Costa County near Danville. His energy and good management set an example of what could be accomplished by properly conducted agricultural and live stock enterprise in the beautiful San Ramon Valley. He was also active in community affairs, serving many years as a school trustee in his home locality.
Robert O. Baldwin married Miss Mary Cox, who was born in Indiana, January 7, 1838. They were married at Danville, California, March 25, 1858, and they lived more than a half a century in Contra Costa County, where both of them passed on. The death of Robert O. Baldwin occurred April 26, 1908, and that of his wife on October 9, 1914. Just a month before the death of R. O. Baldwin there was celebrated at Danville as a public event the golden wedding anniversary of this venerable old couple. It was an occasion for people all over the county to meet and offer congratulations to the husband and wife who had shared life's duties and joys together through such a long period.
The children of these honored pioneers were: May Margaret, born May 1, 1859; Elmer H., born September 6, 1861 ; Robert O., born April 20, 1865; Jennie C, born December 30, 1866; Perry A., now deceased, born August 14, 1869, and John F., born December 20, 1873.
The daughter May Margaret, now residing at 782 Delores Street in San Francisco, was graduated from the Napa Ladies' Seminary, June 1, 1877. Her first husband was the late Dr. Walter E. Hook. C)n the 14th of October, 1896, she married Mr. E. C. Gilbert.
Robert Oliver Baldwin, Jr., son of the pioneer, gained an enviable reputation as a successful physician and surgeon in California and is practicing at the City of Oakland. He was born in Danville, in Contra Costa County, April 20, 1865, and was liberally educated in preparation for his chosen vocation.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., 1924
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