John Lytle Baldridge (1845-1941)

JOHN L. BALDRIDGE IS AT GETTYSBURG

One of Four Civil War Veterans In Adams County

John L. Baldridge, life-long resident of the county, and now resident of West Union and one of Adams county's four surviving Civil War veterans, is at Gettysburg, Pa., attending the 75th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, which is being held this week.

The 92-year-old veteran, who will celebrate his next birthday Sept. 30, never tires of reminiscing of the experiences that he encountered with the boys that wore the Blue and Grey on the battlefield during the six months that he was enlisted with the 129th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

He enlisted at the age of 18, July 20, 1863 and received an honorable discharge March 8, 1864 at Camp Cleveland. He is an honorary member of the American Legion and a member of the G A. R.

Harry E. Suffron, principal of the West Union high school, accompanied Mr. Baldridge on his trip. Both received identification badges and bids from Major General Henry Gibbens of the quartermaster general's executive office. Mr, Suffron is a veteran of the World War and saw service in France.

TAPS SOUNDED FOR JOHN L. BALDRIDGE

Last Civil War Veteran in County Passed Away Wednesday Morning

John L. Baldridge, age 95, the last Civil War veteran in Adams county passed away at his home here Wednesday morning at 6:00 o'clock following a lingering illness.

He had been ill for several weeks suffering from infirmities and complications. He served in the Union Army for a period of six months, enlisting on July 20, 1863 and was discharged on March 8, 1864. He was a member of Company "G" of the 129th O.V.I. and served his time at Camp Cleveland, from which camp he was discharged. He was 18 years of age when he enlisted in the army.

Mr. Baldridge had always taken an active part in the affairs of the community. He was a member of the West Union American Legion and headed the annual Memorial Day parade for many years. He was also a member of the local Methodist church and held official position for a number of years.

Mrs. Baldridge passed away as the result of an automobile accident on October 18, 1935. Since that time, with the exception of a few months, her sister Mrs. Belle King has tenderly cared for Mr. Baldridge.

Military funeral services will be conducted at the Methodist church Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, with Rev. W. L. Stafford in charge, Burial will be made in the West Union I. O. O. F. cemetery under the direction of William Lafferty.

J. L. BALDRIDGE PASSES AWAY

LAST SURVIVING CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIES AT HOME AT WEST UNION

He enlisted in the army when eighteen years of age as a member of Company G, 129th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, July 20, 1863 And served for the duration of the war. Two years ago, at the age of 93, he attended the national encampment of the Grand Army at Chattanooga, Tenn, and greatly enjoyed the fellowship with his comrades and the services that were honoring the veterans.

Although in feeble health, he attended the last Decoration Day services at West Union, visiting each cemetery. He was a member of the local Methodist church and attended the services as long as his health permitted.

He is survived by a number of nephews and nieces. His wife, Mrs. Calista Wikoff Baldridge was killed in an automobile accident six years ago. Since her death he has been cared for by his sister-in-law Mrs. Belle King.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the Methodist church, followed by the I. O. O. F. cemetery under the direction of William Lafferty.