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W. J. BALDRIDGE Biography - White Oak Township


W. J. BALDRIDGE, farmer and stock-dealer; P.O. Oak Grove; was born in Cherry Fork, Adams Co., Ohio, 
Oct. 13, 1839; in 1852, he came with his parents to this State, his father settling in Danvers Township, McLean Co.; 
he remained with his father till his majority, and then engaged in farming for himself. In August, 1862, he enlisted 
as private in Co. E, 94th Regt. I. V. I., and served three years; he participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., 
the raid to Van Buren, siege of Vicksburg, Ft. Morgan, Spanish Fort. On his return from the army, he again engaged in 
farm pursuits; he purchased where he now lives in the fall of 1871, and occupied it in 1872. He was married Nov. 21, 1867, 
to Carrie WRIGHT, a native of Ohio; has five children - Clarence, Myrta, Lucia I., Mary M. and William C. Owns 160 acres, 
finely improved, and deals largely in cattle and hogs. Has held the offices of Road Commisioner, Town Collector, and at 
present holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Baldridge is a thorough-going business man, and a very succesful farmer and trader.