Among our most prominent citizens we find the name of William R. Baird, who served his country during the Civil War and has ever shown honor to the flag of our nation, and is ever ready when the appointed time comes, the 30th of May, to assist in decorating the graves of his brave comrads, who were less fortunate than he. Further mention of his war record will be given below.

        William R. Baird is a native of Ohio, was born in Guernsey county, April 27, 1835, is a son of William F. and Jane (Henderson) Baird, and is one of nine children born to his parents, there being five sons and four daughters, six of this number are still living.

        That this was a patriotic family is shown by the fact that four of the five sons were in the service during the Civil war, all enlisting in different regiments-one of which sons lost his life during an engagement.

        William F. Baird, father of William R., removed his family from their native state of Ohio to Indiana in 1852, locating in Washington township, Grant county. He was a shoemaker by trade, which he carried on in connection with farming. He lived to advanced age of ninety years.

        When William R. Baird was but a small boy, he began making his own living by working out on a farm; he then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until August 11, 1862, when he offered his service in defense of the country, enlisted and was appointed second sergeant in Company I, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He went with his company to Kentucky, where they were engaged in pursuing General Bragg, their first engagement being at Perrysville; he was also engaged in the pursuit of General Morgan. His time of service was cut short, owing to failing health, and he was discharged on account of disability in April, 1863. He then returned to Jonesboro, Grant county, Indiana, but was in feeble health, unable to work. Upon regaining his health he became engaged in the drug business with his father-in-law, Dr. Pierce. He then spent some few years in Kansas where he purchased a farm, but finding it more pleasant, as well as more profitable, to be among his friends and relatives, returned to the place of his nativity.

        In October, 1857, Mr. Baird was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, the genial and lovable daughter of Dr. Pierce. To this union were born seven children, named in order of birth as follows, viz." John A., William, Charles, Arthur, Edward, Flora and Lula.

        Politically Mr. Baird is an active Republican and takes a prominent part in the party work of his community. He is not only a devout member of the Methodist Protestant church, but assists in many meetings, and may be said to be local preacher, in which capacity he has done much good.

        Mr. Baird has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty-seven years, in which he is also an active worker and has rendered that order much valuable assistance during his many years' membership; he is also an ardent worker in the G. A. R. post, of Jonesboro. Socially, Mr. Baird, with his family enjoy the society of the best people of Jonesboro and are a highly respected family.