Born in county Fermanagh, Ireland. February 28, 1850. He was brought to America by his parents in 1852, when he was only two years of age. In 1857 the family moved to Dubuque, Iowa, and it was in that community that be passed his boyhood and grew to manhood. He came to Ida county December 6, 1875. He was married March 14, 1877. to Esther Ann Scanlon. In past years Mr. Baxter was prominent in politics in this county. He was a Democrat, and a staunch Democrat at that time was when many Democratic Leaders asked for his counsel and advice. In 1908 he was a Democratic candidate for representative from Ida county and always most conscientiously believed he was elected by a majority of eleven votes, but the legislature refused to seat him. He served until February 11, 1909, when he was replaced by Samuel Corrie. He served as a member of the county board of supervisors in 1918, 1919, and 1920. He was a member of the Sioux City consistory and of the Ida Grove Masonic bodies.