*****Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ***** Submitted by Cindy Bryant Portrait & Biographical Album of Osceola Co, Chapman Bros 1884: Edward C Baumgardner, farmer section 33, Richmond Twp, is the son of Jacob & Catherine (Koutz) Baumgardner, natives of Switzerland & Pennsylvania respectively. After their marriage they settled in Ohio, and subsequently moved to Van Buren Co, MI, going thence to Ionia Co, where they remained until death. They had four children, Edward C, Noah and Seymour. One died in infancy. Mr Baumgardner was born Sept 16, 1852 in Van Buren Co. MI. He was a student at public schools until he was 18 years of age. He remained at home 3 years after after that age, when he began to work month by month, in which method he operated seven years, farming summers and in the lumber woods winters. In 1876 he bought 80 acres of land in Richmond Twp, under some improvements, on which he settled in the spring of 1882. Two thirds of the place is now in a good state of cultivation. In political connection he is a republican and has held the office of school assessor. He was married in Richmond Twp April 10, 1879, to Mary J Robbins, and they have two children, L.J. born Jan 24, 1880, and Leo V. born Dec 18, 1882. Mrs Baumgardner is the daughter of James G and Olive E Robbins. (See Sketch of J G Robbins.) She was born June 4, 1861 in Richmond Twp and is the first white child born in Osceola County. Family note- Edward's parents were settlers in Cambell Twp, Ionia Co, Mi in the early 1850's. His mother died in 1856 there. Platt book of Osceola County, MI. PA & JW Myers & CH Cameron 1900. Richmond Township p. 49 : Baumgardner, E. C., Farming. Born in Van Buren Co, MI, Sept 16, 1850, the oldest son of Jacob & Catherine Coutz Baumgardner. Came to Osceola Co. in 1873, in 1878 he purchased a farm on section 33, Richmond Twp. Married April 10, 1879 to Mary J, daughter of James A & Olive E. Robbins. Mrs Baumgardner was born in Richmond Twp and was the first white girl born in Osceola Co. Her parents came to Mich Feb 22, 1856 and located on section 34, Richmond Twp, where they still live. Mr Robbins was the first settler with a family to locate in this county living some time in a brush shanty in the dead of winter. Mr. Baumgardener has four children, two boys and two girls. L.J., born Jan 24, 1880, Leo Valdy, Dec 18, 1882 (Valdy's Tombstone says b.1881.), Myrtie E, March 23, 1886, and Hattie L. Feb 7, 1891.