A fall on the ice claims Chariton's first-born son

Doris Christensen/Find a Grave

John Baxter, buried in Cedar Township's Bethel Cemetery, was --- according to his schoolmate and friend Dan Baker --- the first male child born to permanent settlers in Chariton. And Dan, who went on to compile the county's definitive 1881 history, would have been among those most likely to know.

But that piece of information comes not from the history book, but rather from a brief obituary that Dan wrote for his Chariton Leader of March 5, 1875, after John's untimely death at the age of 23 on March 3, 1875.

Don't be confused by the inscripton on his tombstone, erected many years after death. The information on it is wrong.

Here's the first mention of the accident that claimed John's life --- from The Leader of Feb. 20, 1875:

On last Friday, John Baxter, the eldest son of Thomas Baxter, residing a few miles east of town, accidentally fell on the ice and broke his leg. Dr. Powell, of Russell, was called in to attend to his injuries. John is a steady, industrious young man and was just getting ready to go out to Nebraska to reside upon a homestead taken up some time ago. He is the second son of Mr. Baxter's that has broken his leg. 

The obituary followed two weeks later:

Died at his father's residence in Chariton Township, Lucas County, on Wednesday, March 3d, John Baxter, eldest son of Thos. Baxter. To the sorrow stricken parents we extend our sincere sympathies. But a few days ago, John was in the prime of health and vigor, but by an unfortunate accident, broke his leg which was followed by a severe attack of fever ending in his death.

Years ago, we met him daily in the schoolroom and learned to know him as a studious faithful pupil and a generous hearted boy. At the time of the accident he was preparing to locate in Nebraska where he had selected him a homestead upon which he had centered the fondest hopes of his youthful ambition. But man proposes and God disposes. The deceased was the first male child ever born in the town of Chariton and was about 24 years of age.

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John's parents were Thomas and Mary Jane Baxter. Thomas left the north of Ireland behind during 1849 and landed in Chariton during 1851, then sent for his wife, two daughters (Mary and Margaret) and his father, also John. Young John was born about a year after the family had been reunited.

Mary Jane died on April 8, 1855, most likely of complications from childbirth, and Thomas married Margaret Irvine soon after. They became the parents of another son, William Baxter.

Thomas was a stonemason by trade when he arrived in Chariton, but soon switched to farming and located some miles east of Chariton near the Lincoln-Cedar township line and prospered there.