Mr. James M. Baker, one of Aurora's well-known and highly respected citizens, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Owens, Monday afternoon after an illness of several months.

Mr. Baker was born near Wilmington, March 7, 1838, spending his entire life in Dearborn County. When a young man he united with the Wilmington M.E. Church but two years ago he was identified with the Baptist Church at Seymour, having spent the last four years in that town with his daughter, Mrs. M.C. Black.

On October 14, 1862 he was married to Anzia Buffington with whom he lived happily until the year 1906 when she was called to her Eternal Home.

To this union were born two daughters, Mrs. M.C. Black of Seymour and Mrs. Thomas Owens and one son, Louis Baker.

Mr. Baker was a man whose friendship would stand the test and no one would ever appealed to him for aid when in trouble that he did not extend to them a helping hand.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and a dutiful son to his parents, whom he loved and honored.

His great enjoyment was the society of his family and friends. He was a man of unbounded hospitality and all that visited at his home received a warm and cordial welcome. During the Civil War he went at his country's call and enlisted in the 83rd Regiment, Company I, where he served as a faithful soldier. He enjoyed meeting his old comrades and talking over the joys and sorrows of Army life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knight's of Pythias and GAR.

The last few months of Mr. Baker's life were spent at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Owens, where everything was done to make his last days comfortable. When his prolonged illness took a decided change for the worse, he willingly submitted to the will of God, who has promised to go with him.

He leaves one son, Louis Baker, two daughters, Mrs. M.C. Black of Seymour and Mrs. Thomas Owens; a sister, Mrs. Angie Bruce of Sparta; a brother, Mr. Nelson Baker of Illinois besides a number of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. S.E. Davies of Brazil, Indiana. The orders had charge of the services. The body was laid to rest in the family lot at Riverview.

Those attending the funeral of Mr. James M. Baker from afar were: Mr. George Bruce, Mr. Joe Bruce and Mrs. Emma Klingelhoffer of Indianapolis; Miss Carrie Baker, Mrs. Florence Walker and Mrs. Will Meloy of Shelbyville, Indiana; Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Baker, Mr. John Glass & family, Mr. George Baker and Mrs. Joe Stannah of Cincinnati; Mrs. Jerome Boyles, Mrs. Ed Boyles, Mrs. Omer Seelinger and Mr. John Buner of Seymour; and Mrs. Omer Elder of Lawrenceburg.