Robert Baxendale, age 80, was born in Bury, England in 1835. His parents died at a tender age. Age age 14 he was apprenticed to a machinist in railroad work and served his full seven years. He married Nannie Tunnah in 1856 in England, coming to America in 1858. He located at Nashville, Tenn. where his young wife joined him a year later. At the outbreak of the Civil War, the wife returned to her native land while he enlisted as private in Co. F, First Tennessee, Confederate Infantry in 1861.
He was with Stonewall Jackson at the battle of Bull Run and ShenandoahValley. He was discharged from the service because of the need of experienced railroad men and took his former position in the shops of the Naashville. When Nashville was taken by the Northernn troops, he was rejoined by his wife and two small children and the famiy came north to Illinoiis. Upon the completion of the Frisco Railroad into Wichita in June 180 he was located there as Round Hoouse Foreman
When the line was extended to Halstead on January 1, 1881 he came here on the first grain into the city in that same capacity. When the Frisco moved to Burrton he followed the line to that city. Sons James died in 1907. Robert died in 1910 and Albert in 1911.
Survivors: spouse; children Mrs. Annie Echols, C. R.Baxsendale and Mrs. E. J. Bookwalter of this city; 21 grandchidren He was a charter member of Halstead Presbyterian Church in 18185.
