The elder Baird was a hotel keeper and came to Michigan in 1854, settling in Charlotte, where he erected and conducted what is known as the "Baird House" until his death. The early boyhood of Mr. Baird was spent in this locality, and here he received his early education. Having a liking for the law, he began the study under Mr. Isaac Hickok, an attorney of prominence, of Charlotte. He was eventually admitted to the bar, and there began his practice, remaining for a few years. In 1880 he became a citizen of Lansing, forming a partnership with Mr. Dart, under the firm name of "Dart and Baird," which was continued with a moderate degree of success, until the formation of the firm of Cahill, Ostrander & Baird. He continued his association with these gentlemen for a short time, when his manufacturing interests, in which he was identified with Mr. O. F. Barnes, began to assume such proportions that he found it necessary to discontinue the practice of law.

In 1877 Mr. Baird was united in marriage to Miss Irene Combs, of Fostoria, Ohio, and unto this union have been born three children: Mrs. Charles Bradford, Mrs. Dr. Joseph Foster, and Sue.

Probably no man of his time has exerted a greater influence towards the development and growth of Lansing's commercial, manufacturing and real estate interests than our subject, as he enjoys a reputation of being the largest individual real estate owner in the city, paying more real estate taxes than any one individual of his locality, owning the Baird Opera House, the Hotel Butler and the Hotel Hudson buildings, together with other valuable realty holdings.

The Business Men's Association of Lansing, an organization perfected for the purpose of promotion and the locating of manufacturing concerns, has been an important factor in the development of Lansing's manufacturing interests. To the perfection of this organization, Mr. Baird has given a great deal of his valuable time and as its efficient president, this organization has been able to enjoy the results of his influence and energy, and it has been acceded beyond a question of doubt that Lansing owes the location of many important enterprises within its limits to Mr. Baird's efforts . Careful and conservative in the exercise of his opinions, Lansing has enjoyed a steady and healty growth.

Viewing the personal history of J. J. Baird, it is safe to day, that he is in every sense of the word a self-made man. Starting out in life for himself at an early age, as an office boy, at a dollar and a half a week, he has steadily advanced to the position of prominence in the community which he now holds. A Democrat in his polticial views, he has taken an active interest in local politics, and efficiently represented his ward as Alderman for twelve years. He is also an Elk and a member of the Masonic fraternicy, and has lived a life in harmony with its beneficent teachings. The success that he today enjoys is the result of his own well-directed efforts. Numerous other enterprises of importance owe their growth and develoment to his influence and asociation, and, while advancing his own interests, he has materially contributed to Ingham county's prosperity, and no man within its borders enjoys a greater degree of confidence than J. J. Baird.

Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 540 - 541

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee