Alfred Hunter Baird
Colonel Alfred Hunter Baird, a
Confederate Veteran
The obituary that follows was published in the Fayetteville Daily Democrat on
Tuesday, April 6, 1937. Col. Baird had the distinction for being one of the
youngest Colonels in the Confederate Army.
“Colonel Alfred Hunter Baird, 93, Confederate veteran, died Monday morning at
9:30 at this home near Steele, after an illness with pneumonia.
He probably was the oldest veteran in this section if not in the state, and
several times with other veterans, had been an honored guest of the United
Daughters of the Confederacy chapters. He was an interesting character and
active for his years.
Col. Baird served full four years in the Civil War. He was color sergeant in the
First North Carolina regiment in the battle of Bethel between Jamestown and
Yorktown, Va., the first battle in the war. As Lieut. Colonel, he commanded a
regiment, which at the close of the war defeated part of Sherman’s army.
Going to Texas after the war he became a cowboy and ranchman. He was married in
that state to Miss Abbie Robinson, who died nine years ago at the age of 78.
Col. Baird was born in Madison County, North Carolina, Nov 14, 1843. In his
family of late years living on the farm near Steele, were two sons and two
daughters, Robert and Joe Baird, Mrs. Margaret Sconce and Miss Hannah Baird; two
grandchildren, Katherine and Loretta Sconce, and a great grandson, Eugene.
Other children are Alfred Baird of Springdale, James A. Baird of Petersburg,
Va., Mrs. Robert Kantz of Fayetteville, Mrs. W. A. Fry of Lamar, Mo., and Mrs.
Dee Neal of Steele. Twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren survive.
All of his nine children were here for the funeral which was held this afternoon
at 2 o’clock at Elm Springs with Rev. George Pond of Fayetteville officiating.
Burial services were under the auspices of the Masonic lodge.
His four sons and three sons-in-law were active pallbearers: Alfred Baird, James
A. Baird, Robert Baird, Joe Baird, Robert Kantz, Dee Neal and W. A. Fry.”
Further history for Col Baird and his family to follow. - dennis
Abbie T. Robinson Baird wife of Col. Baird
