Baugh - John
JOHN BAUGH
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p 343
John BAUGH, a leading citizen of Parke County, owns and operates a well improved farm on Sec 9, Wabash Twp. He is a man of strong character and principle, one who having arrived at a conclusion is not easily driven from his position. He is an example of one who has overcome very serious disadvantages in many respects. As his father died when he was only a child of 5, he was never enabled to attend school a day in his life and when 6 commenced working at whatever he could find to do in order to help support himself. In view of these facts, he is the more worthy of commendation for what he has accomplished. Mr. Baugh was born just east of Circleville, Ohio March 11, 1824, to George and Catherine BUTTS Baugh. HIs grandfather, Leonard Baugh, was born in Germany and during the war for independence was in the Hessian Army which came to America to fight on the British side. While stationed at Jamestown on the James River he deserted the British forces and joined Gen. Washington's Army being engaged in battle the day following. After the conflict was over he settled in Pa, where he engaged in farming and in 1800 removed to Ohio where he was one of the early pioneers. He was a miller by trade and passed the remainder of his life in theBuckeye State. His wife was an English woman who came with the English Army, which she deserted at the same time as her husband. She had a family of 10 children, 3 sons and 7 daughters, the former being Jacob, Michael & George. Both parents were members of the Free Will Baptist Church. George Baugh, was born in PA July 4, 1790 and came to Ohio with his parents. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Oct 16, 1825, he landed at Mecca, Parke County, having been 20 days in making the trip from Ohio. He entered 80 acres of land in Fl Twp where he resided until his death Oct 25, 1855. He had cleared and improved a place of 160 acres and when he was cut down by the hand of death he was found at the post of duty. Politically he was a Whig, and religiously was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church. His wife departed this life July 5, 1861, at the age of 68 year 8 months 20 days. She was born in VA her father, Conrad Butts being a native of Germany who came to America with the Hessian Army which he deserted at the same time Mr. Baugh. After the war he settled in Va and in 1829 came to Ft. Wayne, Indiana where he died 3 days later. T he journal was made by means of wagons. HIs wife was an English woman who came with the army as a cook. She had 4 sons and two daughters, the former being Isaac, Lawrence, Jacob and John. John Baugh is one of 4 children, the others being Michael, Martha wife of Jonathan COX and Elizabeth now Mrs. William STARKS. He came to this state with his parents and when a mere child began earning money making 12 and 1/2 cents a day, later receiving $8 a month. On reaching his majority he engaged in busienss for himself, farming and raising stock. In 1841 he purchased 40 acres of land in Florida Twp, for $150 twenty acres of which he cleared then selling the place and purchasing 120 acres of improved farm land. In 1861 he sold this farm and purchased one of 160 acres on Sec 9 which is his residence at the present time, and which he has largely improved and cleared. Mr. Baugh was a strong Whig, and later became a Republican. He took a strong stand for the Union and was turned out of the Free Will Baptist Church because of his strong sentiments on the question. Since that time he has never joined a church organization. He has been twice married, his marriage with first wife, Martha DRAPER being celebrated July 4, 1861. The lady was born at Crawfordsville, Indiana and is a daughter of Jesse and Lucinda FISHER Draper. Mr. and Mrs. Baugh have six children: Gertrude, wife of FM Berry; Henry; Jesse of Mt. Vernon, Ill; Fred; Lucinda and Gracie who die din childhood. The mother died Nov 1, 1874 and some time after Mr. Baugh wedded Martha Branson who was born in Tenn and is the daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Branson, who removed to this state in 1842. He was a distiller in theformer state but followed agricultural pursuits in Indiana. - typed by kbz