Born in June 1835, in Gainesville, Alabama, Baldwin read law.
He entered private practice in Virginia City, Utah Territory from 1858 to 1859.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 11, 1865, and received his commission the same day.
[2] His service terminated on November 14, 1869, due to his death in Alameda, California, as a result of a railroad accident.
[5] Baldwin died as the result of a railway accident at San Leandro, California (near Alameda) on November 14, 1869, at the age of 33.