William J. Baird, editor and proprietor of the Vevay "Reveille," Vevay, born in this county July 14, 1844, is a son of John and Jane (BAIRD) Baird, natives of Ireland, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. His parents married in Ireland, and about 1840 immigrated to the United States and located in Vevay, his father a cabinet-maker by trade. Mr. Baird began the printing trade when about eleven years of age; subsequently was employed as clerk in the drug store of Isaac Stevens, and then returned to his trade. In 1861 he went to Clarksburg, W. Va., where he assumed the business and mechanical control of the "Telegraph," a paper founded by John S. Carlisile, remaining here about one year. He then returned to the "Gazette" office, Cincinnati, and a few months in river trading he purchased the "Reveille" office in December 1864, and has since edited that paper in Vevay. In 1867 he was engaged in the United States revenue service as inspector of tobacco, snuff and cigars, the office being abolished about one year later. In 1869 he made a trip to Europe, visiting England, Ireland and Scotland, and except this interval has remained steadfastly at his post as editor of one of the best local papers in this section of the State. Mr. Baird was married in 1866 to Alice Charlton who died in 1868. His present wife was Sallie Heden, daughter of David and Elizabeth (White) Heden, her father one of the oldest merchants of New Albany, Ind. They have four children: D. Heden, Willie J., Walter H. and Albert G. Mr. Baird is a member of the I.O.O.F., F. & A.M. and G.A.R., and of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell