Another fine example of a "more is better" information packed obit NJ Herald newspaper, Newton, NJ dated Weds, 9 June 1886 Mrs. Rachel A. HEDGES, whose death was announced in last week's paper, is entitles to more than a passing notice. The rare christian graces which characterized her long and useful life made their impress upon those with whom she mingled and have left precious memories to her family and friends whom she served and blessed as only a true woman could do. She was the fourth child of Jonathan and Sarah (ANDERSON) BALDWIN and was born in Newton, June 5, 1806, and was only five days short of being 80 years old at the time of her death. Her father was born in Elizabeth Town, N.J. about the year 1753 and was married to Sarah Anderson, of Hunterdon county, July 9, 1799. He died in Newton Dec. 19, 1819 and his wife August 12, 1822. Jonathan Baldwin was a tanner and currier and carried on an extensice and successful business where Mrs. James R. HULL now resides in Newton. Their family consisted of the following members: Matthias Frazier Baldwin, born April 2, 1800, died at Lesser Cross Roads, Somerset Co, NJ Sept. 28, 1874. His wife was Hannah JORALOMAN whom he married in 1821. John Anderson Baldwin, born July 5, 1802, and died April 1, 1814. William A. Baldwin, born Nov. 8, 1804, married Sarah HATHORN, of New York, January 28, 1828, and who died May 25, 1869. William A. resides in Newark at the advanced age of nearly 82 years, where he held the office of Sheriff and is now collector of the Customs, a position which he has held for many years. He is believed to be the oldest living native of Newton. Rachel Ann Baldwin, born June 1, 1806, married Dr. Stephen HEDGES, January 1824, and died May 31, 1896. Robert Mattison Baldwin, born May 12, 1809 and died Feb. 10, 1810. William A. Baldwin is the only survivor of the family. All the others died and were buried in Newton, excepting Matthias Frasier (sic) Baldwin, who died in Somerset county as above stated and was buried in the Bedminster cemetery. Dr. Stephen Hedges, the husband of the deceased, was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (WOODHULL) HEDGES, and was born at Chester, Morris county, Feb. 15, 1798. He studied medicine with Dr. Lewis CONDIT, of Morristown, and Dr. George HOPKINS, of Newton. He graduated from the college of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in April 18189 and received his diploma. Dr. Hopkins died the same year, and young Dr. Hedges succeeded to his practice in Newton. He died August 10, 1845, just in the prime of his manhood and in the midst of his usefulness. The children of Stephen and Rachel A. Hedges were: Elizabeth, wife of the late George H. NELDEN, who died Nov. 26, 1878 leaving three children viz.: Mary H. (Nelden) who died April 25, 1886; John H. the present County Clerk of Sussex, and Lucy L. who is teaching at Morristown. Sarah, wife of Theodore LITTELL, of Morristown. Dr. Joseph Hedges, a practicing physician of Branchville. Mary, Frances and Julia, all residing in Newton and Emma, who died about two years ago. Mrs. Hedges had for many years been a consistent and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and always manifested a deep interest in tis welfare. To her family she was all that the best of mothers could be, and in the community, where her example was always felt for good, her counsels and charities fell as noiselessly and gentle as the dews of heaven, bringing blessings upon those around her. Always feeling a lively interest in passing events she lived to do good and died as one whose life's work was well done. She was buried in the new cemetery in Newton on Thursday last, her funeral services being conducted by the Rev. A. H. Young, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Happy Hunting, Cathy DiPietro vdpcom@warwick.net listowner: NJSussex