Irving Knott Baxter Esq. (1876 - 1957)

Born 25 Mar 1876 in Utica, Oneida, New York, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Lucille R. (Arnold) Mangham — married 1 Sep 1910 in Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States

Died 13 Jun 1957 at age 81 in Utica, Oneida, New York, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kurt Potter [send private message]

Biography

Irv Baxter Esq. is Notable.

Irv represented United States in Track and Field at the Paris Olympics of 1900

Irv is an Olympic Gold Medalist

Irv is an Olympic Silver Medalist

Irving Baxter was a famed United States track and field athlete who won FIVE Olympic Medals while competing in the 1900 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. He won the Gold Medal twice in the Pole Vault and the High Jump competitions, and the Silver Medal three times in the Standing Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump competitions^[1]. The Games of 1900 were held in Paris as part of the World’s Fair ^[2]. Irving Baxter was tied with Walter Tewksbury as winning the most US medals ^[3], with five, and close behind them was Alvin Kraenzlein who won four Gold Medals. It is unconfirmed, but Baxter and Tewksbury may have won the most medals as individuals, of any nation, at these games in 1900. The current location of his Olympic Medals is unknown.

Irv's path to Olympic stardom culminated while attending the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), enrolled as a law student, where he competed on the track team. Additional athletic highlights for Irv include winning the US National Championship and crown in the high jump in 1897, where he also ran the 120-yard high hurdles in 16 seconds. Then, Irv won the Amateur Athletic Union High Jump and Pole Vault competitions in 1899 ^[4]. He was also part of ("made") the UPenn boxing team. When he retired from competitive track and field a few years later, Baxter had the distinction of having never lost a high jumping contest ^[5]. His various online biographies show many interesting and dramatic stories about his various victories during the 1900 Olympics and thereafter ^[6].

Irving Knott Baxter was born in Utica, New York on 25 Mar 1876 to parents John Rechab Baxter and Mary "Minnie" E. Knott.^[7][8] Irv was one of seven over-achieving siblings who are shown in the 1900 US Census ^[9]. On 1 Sep 1910 in Greenwich, Connecticut, Irv married Lucille R. Arnold of Georgia ^[10][11]; Lucille was the sister of his brother Harold's wife Virginia Arnold. Irv and Lucille divorced sometime before 1917, as this was the year of Lucille's second marriage, and she would marry a third time afterwards. The 1915 US Census for Utica, New York shows Irv afterwards living again with his parents in Utica — and without Lucille shown ^[12], and then the 1930 US Census ^[13] shows him as divorced. It is unknown if Irving married again after Lucille, but the 1940 US Census ^[14] shows him as "Single", and the 1950 event shows him as "Widowed" ^[15]. Around the time of his marriage to Lucille, Irv was working on Wall Street in New York City as an attorney ^[16], and the 1910 US Census show him living in a boarding house, staffed by many servants, in Bridgeport, Connecticut ^[17]. Thus, he may have been commuting into New York City via train.

Via Irving Baxter's Find A Grave Memorial ^[18], he was a 1895 graduate of Utica Free Academy (UFA), a public high school. After his 1899 graduation from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, he went on to study law at the University of of Pennsylvania, Class of 1902. Irv practiced as an attorney in Utica, New York, where he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1903, and in 1903 he was chosen as a special city judge on the Democratic ticket ^[19]. Apart from a break during World War I, he continued in private law practice until 1921, when he was appointed Commissioner of the Northern District of New York. In 1925 he resigned and returned to private practice. In private practice he concentrated on defending violators of the Volstead Act ("Prohibition") ^[20]. Irv was a member of Utica Lodge 47 Free and Accepted Masons, Oneida Chapter 57 Royal Arch Masons; the Utica Commandary #3 Knights Templar; and the Ziyara Temple Shriners. While a student at UPenn, he pledged the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was a member of Penn Chess Club ^[21].

Olympic Gold Medalist and service veteran Irving Baxter died in 1957 and is buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, Oneida County, New York ^[22][23][24]. The house of his parents, and Irv's residence for most of his life, still survives at 215 Rutger Street in Utica, New York, and can be seen via GoogleMaps. He appears to have sold the house after the 1940 US Census.

Genealogy and Famous Cousins of Irving Knott Baxter.

• Irving Baxter is the 7th great-grandson of distinguished Mayflower Passenger Stephen Hopkins (bef.1581-abt.1644), who was also a founding pioneer of the Jamestowne Colony and the The Bahamas.
• Irving Baxter is the 6th great-grandson of Mayflower Passenger Constance (Hopkins) Snow (bef.1606-abt.1677), who is the daughter of Mayflower Passenger Stephen Hopkins.
• Irving Baxter is the 2nd great-grandson of at least two Revolutionary War Patriots, who are currently recognized by the DAR and SAR, and they are:
  • Corporal Moses Ramsdell (1763-1834), who served for three years (1779-1782) in the famed 6th Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army, although Moses luckily missed any major battles. He enlisted when he was 16-years-old. He received a pension for his service.
  • Private John Newland (1758-1809), who served for 18 months (1778-1779) in various units of the Bristol County Militia of Massachusetts, and one of his units may have been attached to the Continental Army; he fought at the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778.
• Irving Baxter is a blood cousin to 29 US Presidents, with his closest cousin being President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), his 4th cousin 3 times removed. Irving Baxter is a blood cousin to 84 US Founding Fathers.
• Irving Baxter is a direct descendant of many famed lines of Royalty, and many blood cousins as well.
  • William the Conqueror (abt.1027-1087) is his 25th great-grandfather
  • King Charlemagne (abt.0748-0814) is his 31st great-grandfather.
  • Diana Frances (Spencer) Mountbatten-Windsor (1961-1997) is his 8th cousin twice removed.
  • Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) is his 12th cousin once removed.
  • Irving Baxter is an 8th cousin of Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill KG OM CH (1874-1965) and a 15th cousin of Prime Minister Boris Johnson (1964-alive)

Research Notes

FamilySerach.org records are imbedded in this analysis (click). The persona of Irv's wife Lucille Arnold was once a mystery. Lucille R. (Arnold) Mangham (1892-1985) was the daughter of William Glenn Arnold (1856-1918) of Georgia. The reason for this connection is that Irv Baxter's brother, Harold Frederic Baxter (1881-1963) married Virginia Banks Arnold (1782-1944), and she is the sister of the Lucille R. Arnold persona. The 1910 US Census for Coweta, Georgia (enumerated 18 Apr 1910) shows Harold F. Baxter, born NY, and "Jennie B. Baxter" (identified as his wife, and daughter of Glenn) living with "Glenn Arnold," along with Glenn's then 17-year-old daughter Lucile R. Arnold. Then, there is the marriage record from later that year in September of the marriage of Irv and Lucille in Connecticut, with the marriage license stating that Lucille was 21 years old at the time of the marriage. Harold's and Irving's brother Eric Rechab Baxter (1895-1944) is also shown living in Georgia from 1920-1924, or so, and working for his brother Harold (Harry). The marriage of Irv and Lucille is confirmed via a vital record.

Two of Irving’s biographies refer to his service during World War I, at about the age of 41 years. The first states that he served as a private in the “Second Training Company and later the Coast Guard” ^[25], and another states that he took “…a break during World War I…” from his career as an attorney ^[26]. An indexed, online reference of his detailed war service can be found, but because the references are included in his biographies, it is assumed he served in some capacity. The former reference is a bit conflated, as it appears that Irving may have served in the New York Guard (NYG) ^[27], which is a state volunteer force which augments and supports the New York National Guard with manpower and skills. He was probably attached to the Training Group of the 2nd Cavalry unit within the NYG^[28], as this was the unit designation for a source regarding his brother Stanley Monroe Baxter. Thus, the “Second Training Company and later the Coast Guard” was somehow contorted out of the official citation of “Training Group, 2nd Cavalry, New York Guard”. In general, when regular New York National Guard units were mobilized for service in Europe from 1917-1918, the NYG filled in for the absence of those units in case of a state emergency, which is the traditional roll of National Guard units. Irv may have served with the rank of Private, which is a little below his stature, however.

The search for any children of Irv and Lucille has turned up nothing definitive. Although unconfirmed, there was the birth shown on the Connecticut Genealogy Index of a "Catherine Baxter" born in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Connecticut on 13 Dec 1910 followed by a death on 26 Dec 1910, and because Irving was shown as a resident of Bridgeport, this may have been the child of Irving and Lucille.

The Olympics.com online biography ^[29] of Irving Baxter states that he is "The brother of Hugh Baxter, 4 time US champion in the pole vault (1883-1886), Irv Baxter..." The persona of Hugh Baxter is unknown when related to the parents of Irving Baxter. It is highly suspected that Hugh H. Baxter is the persona of Hugh Henry Baxter (1861-1945) who was born in Vermont and died in the New York City area. Hugh and Irving are not related directly, if at all.

Sources

1. ↑ Wallechinsky, David; Loucky, Jaime. The Complete Book of The Olympics 2012 Edition. Aurum Press, London, 2012
2. ↑ Olympics.com 1900 Paris Olympic Games
3. ↑ Wikipedia Medals for United States at the 1900 Summer Olympics
4. ↑ Wikipedia Biography of Irving Knott Baxter
5. ↑ University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957)
6. ↑ Online Biographies for Irving Knott Baxter
7. ↑ 1910 Marriage License, Greenwich [CT], Vital Record
8. ↑ US World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
9. ↑ "1900 US Census for Utica, Oneida, New York" database
10. ↑ 1910 Marriage License, Greenwich [CT], Vital Record
11. ↑ Web: Connecticut, US Marriage Records, 1897-1968
12. ↑ "New York State Census, 1915", Utica, Oneida, New York, United States
13. ↑ "United States Census, 1930", database with images, FamilySearch
14. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census for Utica, Oneida, New York
15. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census for Utica, Oneida, New York
16. ↑ University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957)
17. ↑ "United States Census, 1910", Bridgeport, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States, FamilySearch
18. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images
19. ↑ Olypedia Biography for Irving Knott Baxter
20. ↑ University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957)
21. ↑ University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957)
22. ↑ New York State Health Department, Genealogical Research Death Index, 1957-1963
23. ↑ New York State, US, Death Index, 1957-1972
24. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images
25. ↑ University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957)
26. ↑ Olypedia Biography for Irving Knott Baxter
27. ↑ Wikipedia for The New York Guard (NYG)
28. ↑ New York, U.S., New York Guard Service Cards, 1906-1918
29. ↑ Olympics.com Biography of Irving Knott Baxter

• 1910 Marriage License, Greenwich [CT], Vital Record from Greenwich CT Town Clerk, State of Connecticut Bureau of Vital Statistics, from 3 Jul 2024 SHOWS the marriage on 1 Sep 1910 of Irving R. Baxter and Lucille R. Arnold at Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Shows Irving R. Baxter at 34 years of age, occupation lawyer, born in Utica NY; his residence is Utica NY. Father is John R. Baxter. Mother is Mary E. Knott. Lucille R. Arnold states age is 21 years, no occupation, born in Grantville [Coweta County] GA, and is her residence in 1910. Father for Lucille is Glenn Arnold; mother is Frances E. Moreland. Appears to have been married by the Justice of the Peace, and the license and marriage dates are the same.
• Web: Connecticut, US Marriage Records, 1897-1968 Via Ancestry.com SHOWS the marriage of Irving Baxter and Lucille Arnold on 1 Sep 1910 at Greenwich, Connecticut.
• US World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Via Ancestry.com SHOWS Irving Knott Baxter, living at 215 Rutger Street, Utica, New York, with his father John R. Baxter, born 25 Mar 1876, 42 years old, occupation is Lawyer, employed at 45 Genesee St., Utica, NY. Height is checked off as Tall, Build is Medium, grey-blue eyes, brown hair color; no limiting service disqualifications.
• New York State, US, Death Index, 1957-1972 Via Ancestry.com SHOWS Irving K Baxter Gender Male Age 81 Birth Date abt 1876 Residence Place New York, USA Death Date 13 Jun 1957 Death Place New York, USA Certificate Number 40328.
• "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KMR-PBM9 : 10 February 2023), SHOWS: Irving K Baxter Name Note Name and form dates: Claim: IRVING K BAXTER (30 Oct 1944) Birth Date 25 Mar 1876 Birthplace Utica, New York, United States Social Program Claim Date 30 Oct 1944 Event Type Social Program Correspondence.
• US Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940 Via Ancestry.com SHOWS Irving K Baxter Record Type Military Service Birth Date 25 Mar 1876 Military Date 7 Aug 1917 Residence Place Frankfort, New York Death Date 1953. NOTE: 1953 is incorrect; thinking that is a mistake or a date of the record.
• "New York State Health Department, Genealogical Research Death Index, 1957-1963," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2CC3-DWC : 11 February 2018) SHOWS the death of Irving K Baxter Sex Male Age 81 Event Type Death Event Date 13 Jun 1957 File Number 40328 Birth Year (Estimated) 1876.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178719157/irving_knott-baxter: accessed June 25, 2024), memorial page for Irving Knott “Irv” Baxter (25 Mar 1876–13 Jun 1957), Find a Grave Memorial ID 178719157, citing Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, Oneida County, New York, USA; Maintained by Frank R Williams (contributor 48822118).
• "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZXN-GBQ : 11 July 2016), Irvin K Baxter in household of John R Baxter, Utica, Oneida, New York, United States; citing enumeration district ED 140, sheet 302B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0905; FHL microfilm 1,254,905.
• "1900 US Census for Utica, Oneida, New York" database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 18 July 2023, 17:30), entry for John R Baxter (PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:LR3Y-HBZ Utica, Oneida, New York, United States) SHOWS 1900 US Census: John R Baxter Age 52 years. born December 1848 in NY. Married, married for 27 years. Wife is Minnie E Baxter, 47 years of age. CHILDREN: John R Baxter, Jr. 26 years of age. Irving K Baxter 24 years of age. Francis K Baxter 23 years of age. Mildred E Baxter 13 years of age. Harold F Baxter 12 years of age. Stanley M Baxter 11 years of age. Eric Baxter 5 years of age.
• "United States Census, 1910", Bridgeport, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRVM-W4Y?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AMKKL-ZC3&action=view : Sun Mar 10 19:18:59 UTC 2024) SHOWS Irving K Baxter age 34 years, born about 1876 NY, occupation is Attorney at Law, Single, Household Boarder (many others).
• "New York State Census, 1915", Utica, Oneida, New York, United States, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9LF-K8X : 1 June 2022) SHOWS Irving K Baxter Sex Male Age 38 Birth Year (Estimated) 1877 Years in United States 38 Relationship to Head of Household Son Event Type Census Event Date 1915 House Number 215 Line Number 16 Page 15.
• "United States Census, 1930", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4RC-V26 : 8 December 2015), Irving K Baxter, 1930. Marital status is "Divorced" and he is living with his mother.
• 1940 United States Federal Census for Utica, Oneida, New York SHOWS living at 215 Rutger Street, Erving Baxter (mother is living with brother and daughter in law elsewhere in Utica), 64 years of age.
• 1950 United States Federal Census for Utica, Oneida, New York SHOWS, address of 4 Steuben Park, unknown if renting or owning, Irving K Baxter, age 74 years, WIDOWED, no occupation.
• New York, U.S., New York Guard Service Cards, 1906-1918, 1940-1948 Via Ancestry.com SHOW Stanley Monroe Baxter, age 21 years, enlisted 21 Jun 1912, Tr G 2d Cav NGNY.
• Online Biographies for Irving Knott Baxter, and related sites
  • University of Pennsylvania, PennLibraries, University Archives and Records Center — Biography of Irving Knott Baxter (1876-1957).
  • Wikipedia Biography of Irving Knott Baxter
  • Olympics.com Biography of Irving Knott Baxter
  • Olypedia Biography for Irving Knott Baxter
  • Olympics.com 1900 Paris Olympic Games
  • Wikipedia Medals for United States at the 1900 Summer Olympics
  • Wikipedia for The New York Guard (NYG)
  • Wikidata: Item Q318167, en:Wikipedia

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Kevin Callahan (Ancestry.com public genealogy tree) for the index discovery of Irving Baxter's 1910 marriage record to Lucille Arnold in Connecticut.