The Caddo Herald
May 29, 1925
Pioneer Dies Near Caddo Saturday
At his home four miles southeast of Caddo Saturday morning at 1:30 Mr. E G. Baxter died after an illness of twenty months. The funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conduct by Rev. M.A. Cassidy, pastor of the Methodist Church.
E. G. Baxter was born in Georgia seventy years ago; came to old Indian Territory when a small lad, and had lived in this country ever since; being one of the pioneers, was intermarried citizen of the Choctaws and is survived by his wife, five children: G. W. Baxter, Walter W. Baxter, Chas. E. Baxter, Mrs. G. A. Crossett, and Mrs. C. D. Robinson, and a sister, Mrs. R. C. Freeny, all of whom live in and near Caddo. There are twelve grandchildren.
The funeral was largely attended by people from both town and country whom Mr. Baxter was in great esteem. The floral offerings were beautiful and many, attesting the love of many.
In his residence of sixty years in this country Mr. Baxter has witnessed the changing scenes from the wild and unkempt wilderness to a splendid country of farms, houses, cities, and towns and such spirits as his had the great part in shaping the destinies of the new state in making. He was a man of honor; he was a man of strict integrity, a member of the Masonic lodge of Caddo which had charge of the burial at Caddo Cemetery and of the Masonic-----
E. G. Baxter settled near his present home some forty years ago at the time when the prairies were thought to be fit only for grazing land. He was one of the first to see the possibilities as farming country of the vast prairies in and near here, was one of the first to use the plow to turn the sod. When he moved into the neighborhood it was an unfenced meadow; cattle, wolves, and deer were plentiful and roamed the pastures at will.
The home of Mr. Baxter (was) always hospitable. He liked to entertain people there. And the wayfarer was always sure of a cordial welcome. That he was honored and well thought of is attested by the concern manifested throughout his illness as to his welfare, and by the floral offerings and attendance at his funeral.
One by one the pioneers are passing. They blazed a way for those who came after; they made living conditions better and they builded a civilization well worth the efforts of their progeny to carry on.
E. G. Baxter, Pioneer Caddo Citizen Dies
The following tribute to E. G. Baxter published in the Durant Democrat, is very much appreciated by the family and friends of the deceased:
During his lifetime E. G. Baxter has seen the change of scenes in this country. He was one of the first men who saw farming possibilities of the wide prairies near Caddo. Formerly these rich lands were thought only good for gazing purposes. When he moved to his present allotment there were no fences on the prairies; cattle on a thousand hills roamed at will, wolves and deer were plentiful, only a few clearings in the woods bespoke the later greatness of Bryan County as a farming country.
Mr. Baxter was one of the many pioneers who sought to establish law and order in the Indian country, always a stickler for truth and honor, his name was a synonym of probity. He was a member of Caddo Masonic lodge and of Caddo Methodist church. He was a good neighbor, a good friend, his home was hospitable, and no wayfarer ever came his way and went unfed or unaided.
His was one of the outstanding neighborhoods of pioneer days. There a settlement gradually grew, farms were put in, homes were built, civilization established.
He engaged in farming and stock raising, and acquired a competence by hard labor and careful management. He practiced economy and foresightedness, but not at the expense of comfort or charity.
During the days of the early Missionaries his home was their stopping place, they always were welcome and every good cause could depend upon him for his financial and moral support.
About 20 months ago he was stricken with an illness from which he never recovered. In vain were every skill and science used and consulted, but no permanent relief could be obtained and through all this he never was heard to complain.
A good man is gone, but a sweet memory remains of a useful and honorable life- a loving father and faithful citizen- a real man.
Resolution
Whereas, the Grand Architect of the Universe has called from the scenes of labor here below to dwell with Him in the realm above,
ELISHA GRANVILLE BAXTER
And Whereas, our lodge by this removal has suffered an irreparable loss, our County a stalwart citizen, the family a devoted husband and father, and the State a patriotic citizen;
Therefore, Be It Resolved by Caddo Lodge No. 3, A.F. & A. M. that every member wear the regulation mourning for a period of thirty days; that our charter be draped for a like period; that a Memorial page be set apart in our records containing a record of his life and works; that a copy be furnished to his family.
Be it further resolved that we tender to his family and bereaved relatives our sincere condolence in their grief; that we ever hold in precious memory the reword of his life so filled with good deeds; that while we mourn his passing we bow in humble submission to the will of the Supreme Grand Master Who hath need of him above and that we take new courage from the example of his life among us, and continue to put our faith in Him Who doeth all things well.
By order of the lodge, this the 24th day of May, 1925, A.D.
J. A. Amysett
H. T. Styron
Clarence L. Dodd
Card of Thanks
We deeply appreciate the many deeds of kindness done to us and for our loved husband and father during his long illness. We cannot thank everyone personally of our sincere appreciation and we take this method so that you may know the gratitude of our hearts. Mrs. E. G. Baxter and family.
