Biographical Sketch of John B. Baird, Johnson County, Missouri, Warrensburg Township >From "History of Johnson County, Missouri," by Ewing Cockrell, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, Cleveland, 1918. ********************************************************************** John B. Baird, a prominent citizen of Warrensburg, a highly skilled marble and granite cutter of the firm of Baird & Townsend, was born July 12, 1871, in Texas county, Missouri, near Raymondville. He is the son of Louis and Hannah (Broyles) Baird, both of whom were natives of Campbell county, Tenn. Louis Baird was born October 14, 1824, and Hannah (Broyles) Baird was born March 6, 1827. They were united in marriage at Jellico, Tenn., December 25, 1845, and to them were born the following children: Tasy and Nancy, twins, born in 1846; Louis and Hannah, twins, both died seven weeks after birth; Mrs. Elizabeth Mc- Kinney, deceased; Mrs. Keisiah Benefield, deceased; Mrs. Martha J. Mc- Kinney, Elston, Mo.; Mrs. Samantha Smith, Nile, Mo.; Mrs. Eliza Emaline Cook, Yeiser, Colorado; Mrs. Margaret Y. Birlew, deceased; Mrs. Rebecca Demaries Gilmore; Mrs. Mary Faulkner Lemons, Birchtree, Mo.; Lawson Bell Wallace, Mountaingrove, Mo.; John Bowman, the subject of this re- view; and one child died in infancy. The father's death occurred May 2, 1903. During the Civil War he served in the Missouri State Militia at Centertown, Missouri, in Captain Wilhite's Company and Col. Terry's Regiment. He was a Union man and a life long Democrat. The mother has made her home with her son, John Bowman, since the death of her husband. She is now 91 years of age and although afflicted with blindness for the past year, Mrs. Baird is still able to walk about the home. John B. Baird received his education in the public schools of Texas county, Missouri. He was obliged to walk six miles to go to school, but he was an ambitious lad and enthusiastic about learning. He early in life learned the carpenter's trade and at the age of 23 years began life for himself, working at his trade and farming. Mr. Baird came to Warrens- burg, in 1898 and was employed in work on the new court house the first year he lived in this city. He did his first work in stone cutting with T. F. Bailey, the veteran marble cutter of Warrensburg, in 1898. In the same year, the firm of Farley Brothers entered the marble and granite business in Warrensburg, succeeding T. F. Bailey. In 1908, Baird & Townsend suceeded Farley Brothers and have continued the busi- ness to the present time. This firm has their business establishment at 113 and 115 East Pine street. They have a large patronage and no dissatisfied customers. April 1, 1893 John B. Baird and Lula Hayden were united in marriage. Lula (Hayden) Baird is the daughter of Frank T. and Frankie (Meadows) Hayden. Mrs. Hayden was born in Washington county, Virginia. Her death occurred in 1897 and interment was made in Jacobia Chapel cemetery. Mr. Hayden is now residing at Columbus, Mo. To John B. and Lula Baird have been born two children: Eula May, who is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School in the class of 1916, and for the past year was engaged in teaching, and is now located at Cody, Wyoming; Nada, who is a student in the Warrensburg State Normal School. Mr. and Mrs. Baird reside at 111 Broad street in a handsome, modern residence, a home of ten rooms, and all the latest conveniences. Mr. Baird has a workshop in connection with his garage, and in his little shop does much of his work. He possesses ability as a cabinet worker and his excellent taste and skill are manifested in his home. Mr. Baird is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World and the Court of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are valued highly among Johnson county's most respected citizens. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: <> Penny Harrell ====================================================================