Elmer J. Baxter

ELMER J. BAXTER. The grandfather of Elmer J. Baxter, of Parnassus, was James Baxter, who passed his entire life as a fanner in Lower Burrell township. He belonged to the Democratic party, and was a member of the Presbyterian church. His children were: John, Robert, Andrew, mentioned hereafter; and James.

Andrew Baxter, son of James Baxter, was born in Westmoreland county, and like his father was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Parnassus. His wife was Susanna, daughter of William and Susanna Milligan, and their children were: William C., a farmer in Westmoreland county; Harriet, wife of John Culp; Elmer J., mentioned hereafter; Nancy J., married Frank M. Eyler; Newton J., a dentist in Jennette; Margaret S., wife of Newton Anderson; Elizabeth L.; Ida F.; and Sallie M. The death of Mr. Baxter occurred in 1900.

Elmer J. Baxter, son of Andrew and Susanna (Milligan) Baxter, was born September 18, 1862, in Upper Burrell township, and received his primary education in the common schools, from which he advanced to Parnassus Academy and Reedsburg Normal school. After teaching for three terms in his native township and for two years at Parnassus, he purchased the shoe store of A. Cook, of that town, and for three years conducted the business. He then engaged in the hardware and implement business for about six years, the first three years under the firm name of Alter & Baxter, and the remainder of the time under that of Baxter & Wills. His next venture was in the real estate, loan and insurance business, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. He has recently organized, in partnership with H. H. Baxter, what is known as the New Kensington Fiber Plaster Company for the manufacture of wall plaster and other fire-proof products. In 1900 he was elected school director and in 1903 was re-elected for three years. For that length of time he was president of the board and is now treasurer. He has been chairman of the board of health for four years. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Kensington. Mr. Baxter married Carrie, daughter of Aaron and Mary A. Reimer, and their children were: Lelia I., died in childhood; Lola L., Flora F., and Ruth C.

Source: Page(s) 184-185, History of Westmoreland County, Volume II, Pennsylvania by John N Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906.
Transcribed May 2007 by Nathan Zipfel for the Westmoreland County History Project
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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