BAXTER, Elder William, Beeville Bee, Oct 1895

Elder William BAXTER, the subject of this sketch was born in Manchester, England, February 19, 1809, died in Matagorda, 
Texas, October 20, 1895, being in his eighty-seventh year. He came to America in 1829, landing in New York; spent a short 
time in traveling through New York and Pennsylvania, thence down to New Orleans and there got on the same boat with 
Stephen F. Austin and migrated to Texas, landing at Matagorda, but not as a colonist.

In 1832 he married to Miss Ester W. YOAMANS (sic), who survives him after a period of sixty-three years of married life. 
Twelve children were born to them, three sons and four daughters now living. He lived in Lavaca, Bee, Refugio and 
Matagorda counties, spending most of his time in Matagorda County. He was raised a Presbyterian, ordained a Baptist 
preacher and afterwards converted to the faith of the disciples. He became a preacher of the gospel in the Church of 
Christ in which he continued to work faithfully so long as he was able, never missing an appointment to preach, never 
asking for money for his individual purpose, (a fact worthy emulation by many of our modern preachers), but did 
sometimes take up collections for other ministers of the gospel.

He was a man of unflinching courage when duty demanded anything at his hands as the following will show; he and 
a fellow country man were traveling along the Colorado river, when they saw some Indians at a distance; Mr. Baxter 
suggested that they go to them, "no," said his companion, "well, you stay here and I shall go," and he did so, holding 
a conversation with them through the Spanish language: bought some arrows off them and the next day the Indians 
came in and made a treaty with the whites.

During the great Indianola storm of September 16th 1875, he went from Refugio to St. Mary's through wind and rain to 
unite in marriage, Sid HOWARD and his wife. They did not expect him under such circumstances, but doubtless just 
when Sid began to feel most nervous about the ceremony, the old gentleman rode into town to the great joy and 
surprise of all interested parties.

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all those food and raiments shall be added unto you." 
Father Baxter's life was a verification of this scripture, having become a follower of Christ early in his life. He discharged 
his Christian duties and at the same time secured ample of these worlds' goods for himself and to distribute a goodly 
share among his children. By his death his wife loses a devoted husband, his children a kind and indulgent father, the 
state one of it's best citizens, and the Church of Christ one of her most devout and pure members. "Blessed are the 
pure in heart for they shall see God."