James Henry Baxter

/by

James Henry Baxter

Date of Birth: 1845

Born In: Maryland

Age: 91

Occupation: Veterinary Surgeon

Marital Status: Widowed

Died: 2 Sep 1936

Cause of Death: Heart attack

Death Location: Redwood City

Burial Plot: GAR

FindaGrave ID: 6542765

James Henry Baxter

Obituary

JAMES HENRY BAXTER
Times
September 3, 1936
CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIES

One of Two Living Boys in Blue of Redwood City Passes

Ever thinning ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic today mourned the passing of another of t heir comrades. Dr. James Henry Baxter, 91, Civil war veteran, retired veterinarian, and father of James Henry Baxter of 245 Myrtle Road, Burlingame.

Dr. Baxter, one of Redwood City's two remaining members of the "Boys in Blue," dropped dead yesterday while dressing in his bedroom at the home of another son, Roy, at 1453 Jefferson Avenue, with home the veteran had resided for several years.

Was 91 in August

A heart attack caused death. Hale and hearty despite his great age, Dr. Baxter suffered no last illness. Only August 2 he had celebrated his 91st birthday anniversary, surrounded by members of his family.

His demise left George H. Snow of 715 Cassia street, who will be 90 on September 28, as the city's sole remaining Civil war veteran.

The Rev. C.H.Gatchell of Redwood City First Baptist church eulogized the old soldier at services held this afternoon from the chapel of Layng & Tinney. A crisp American flag decked the coffin as Dr. Baxter was borne to his final resting place in the G. A. R. plot at Union Cemetery

Three Sons Survive

Surviving are three other sons, Charles of Minnesota, William and Wesley Baxter, both living in Iowa, and one daughter, Miss. Nora Baxter of Fresno. Dr. Baxter's wife died many years ago, and six other children predeceased their father.

The veteran was born in Maryland in 1845. When war broke out between the north and the south, Dr. Baxter, then 18, joined Pennsylvania's 85th regiment and served two years as a drummer boy.

He took part in many of the great battles, including the decisive Battle of Gettsyburg, in which he served under General Hooker. A scar which he bore on the back of his neck was inflicted in a sword fight with a Confederate soldier at Gettysburg.

30 Years in State

Dr. Baxter, who was slightly stooped and hard of hearing in his last years, had resided here since 1930. He came to California with his wife and family thirty years ago, and at the age of 80 entered into the realty business at Selma. He was also a veterinary surgeon, which profession he followed for many years.

Not long ago Dr. Baxter and Snow got together and swapped war reminiscences. Snow, a member of New Jersey's Fortieth infantry, nearly lost his life in the last battle of St. Petersburg, when a Confederate bullet creased his head. Snow saw President Lincoln and General Grant riding side by side. Following the Civil war he engaged for three years in the Indian campaigns.

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