Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 480 - 481 

J.W. BAUGHMAN, manager of the Wichita Omnibus and Carriage Company—passenger and baggage transfer — has his headquarters at No. 338 South Emporia avenue, and is favorably known throughout the city for his enterprise and business ability. He was born on a farm near Zanesville, Ohio, and spent his boyhood mid the quiet scenes of rural life.

            Our subject was a youth of eighteen years upon the outbreak of the Rebellion, but was one of those who first responded to the call for troops, and enlisted in Company A, 62d Ohio Infantry, for three years. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, namely: Winchester, Stony Creek and Newmarket, and was in the entire campaign along the Shenandoah Valley. At the siege of Richmond he distinguished himself for his valor, and subsequently at Malvern Hill was in the thickest of the fight, and was shot through both thighs by a minie ball. These wounds necessitated the confinement of our subject in the hospital for a period of six months, and he was then honorably discharged and released from further duty. He, however, could not remain an idle spectator of the conflict, and upon returning to Zanesville assisted in raising Company B, Ohio National Guard, of 100-days men. Of this he was first commissioned Sergeant, then promoted to First Lieutenant.

            Mr. Baughman came to this State in February, 1874, and settled in Iola, Allen County, where he engaged in the mercantile business and was also Postmaster. In January, 1883, he established the livery business in Wichita, in which he was successful from the start. Two years later he sold out to good advantage and embarked in the hack-line business, in company with C. K. Freeman. Their management of this business gave general satisfaction, and it so increased that the firm, in 1887, put up their present substantial and commodious building, which, with the ground, involved an outlay of $32,000. The structure is probably the finest of the kind in the State of Kansas, and would do credit even to Chicago. The business was incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas, in 1887, with a capital stock of $100,000. They keep forty-one head of horses, give employment to sixteen men, and run eight hacks, four omnibuses and two baggage wagons. Their business in 1887 amounted to $16,000. Their vehicles are of the latest improved pattern, and kept in the best possible condition, and it is hardly necessary to say that the business of the concern is conducted in the most systematic manner.

            The lady who has presided with grace and dignity over the household of our subject for a period of more than twenty years was in her girlhood Miss Phebe Cusac, and became his wife Oct. 20, 1864. Mrs. Baughman is the daughter of Squire J. B. Cusac, the founder and proprietor of Cusac's mills, near Zanesville, Ohio. Her mother was formerly Miss Slack. The parents are now deceased. Our subject and his wife have one child only, a daughter, Lizzie R., who is now the wife of C. K. Freeman, of this city, and a business partner of his father-in-law. Mr. B., politically, votes the Republican ticket, and socially is a member of the G. A. R. As a member of the State Militia of Ohio he assisted in the capture of John Morgan when the latter ventured over the line into that State on mischief intent. The family residence of Mr. B. is pleasantly located at No. 338 South Emporia avenue, and its inmates enjoy the society of the best people of Wichita.

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