My Genealogy Hound

Robert LeBaron, M. D., who for many years has been a prominent physician of Pontiac, is one of the best known and highly respected members of the profession in Oakland County, where he has lived most of his life.

Dr. LeBaron is descended from French and Puritan ancestors. Going back some generations we find that Dr. Francis LeBaron was an early Puritan settler in Plymouth, and was buried on Burying Hill at that place. One of his sons, Lazarus, was born in Plymouth where he practiced medicine during his entire active life and was also laid to rest at Burying Hill. Another son, James, married and became the father of David LeBaron, who in turn married and numbered among his children Dr. Solomon LeBaron, the paternal grandfather of our subject. Dr. Solomon LeBaron married Zada Hull, a near relative of General Hull of Revolutionary war and war of 1812 fame, and among their children was John LeBaron, father of Dr. Robert LeBaron.

John LeBaron was born in Connecticut in 1803, and married June McCollins, who was born near Batavia, New York, in 1808. They moved to Michigan in 1843, settling first at Battle Creek, then removing to Redford, Wayne County, where our subject’s father carried on farming for several years. Later he moved to Farmington township, Oakland County, where he resided for eight years, and then located in Olive township, Clinton County. There he resided for 25 years and died in 1878, at the age of 75 years. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church and was a man of literary attainments, following the profession of teaching between the ages of 21 and 40 years. His widow survived him until 1887.

Robert LeBaron was born near Batavia, New York, June 27, 1838, and was the second son born to his parents. He passed his early school days in Wayne and Oakland counties, Michigan, and when 11 years old went to Livingston County, where he made his home for 14 years with Dr. C. W. Haze, under whose direction he commenced the study of medicine. After a preparatory course of reading he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in March, 1861. He immediately began practice in Livingston County, continuing for two years in association with Dr. Haze. About that time he received the appointment of assistant surgeon of the 4th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and later acted as surgeon of the regiment. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and was with his regiment until July, 1864, when it was mustered out at Detroit. In August of that year he established himself in practice at Pontiac where he has since devoted his entire time to professional work, building up a large and lucrative practice. He is a man of great strength of character and stands high in public esteem.

October 13, 1869, Dr. LeBaron was united in marriage with Mary B. Foster, who was born in Clarkston, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Horatio and Sophia (Sabine) Foster. Her, parents were natives of England, who upon coming to this country settled first at Utica, New York, and later in Oakland County, Michigan, both dying in Clarkston. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. LeBaron, namely; Edith H., Mary F.; and Dr. Robert Owen.

Dr. Robert Owen LeBaron, who is associated in practice at Pontiac with his father and Dr. Drake, was born in this city in 1876. He graduated from the Pontiac High School in 1896, from the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1900, and from the medical department in 1902. He spent the following year abroad in post-graduate study in hospital work in Vienna and London. He is now in practice in Pontiac.

Dr. Robert LeBaron is a member of the Oakland County and Pontiac medical societies as well as of the State and American Medical associations. He was for a number of years president of the Board of Education of Pontiac. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M.; Pontiac Chapter, R. A. M.; and Pontiac Commandery No. 2, K. T. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, while in religious attachment he and his family belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church.