Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, 14 February 1894:

MRS MARY BAIRD

Death of One of Altoona's Most Respected Residents

With the death of Mrs. Mary Baird, which occurred at the residence of her son-in-law, Mrs. John Kemmerling, 1820 Seventh avenue, at twenty-five minutes after 4 o'clock yesterday morning, Altoona loses one of its most respected residents, and the numerous friends of the aged lady will be pained to hear of the demise of this Christian woman. The large family of children which she leaves, and to which she was devoted, have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.

Though afflicted with hepatic abscess for more than a year Mrs. Baird bore her sufferings with a patience and fortitude shown only by a Christian, and when the final summons came to her to join the innumerable throng that has gone before she was ready and willing to go. The immediate relatives, though pained by her death, have the assurance that she has entered a "place prepared for her."

The deceased had nearly reached the three score and ten years allotted to mankind, and during her long life had been a consistent Christian. She followed as nearly as possible the example of the Master. Born in Frankstown township, September 10, 1824, the deceased was consequently aged 69 years, 6 months and 3 days. When 14 years of age she was baptized in the Baptist church and was a member of that church at the time of her death. She was the daughter of William and Catharine Cunningham, and was married October 30, 1843, to John Baird, who died on the 4th of April, 1873. She was the last of the old Cunningham family, and leaves no brothers or sisters. Ten children, however, survive to mourn their loss. They are: William, of Lacoma, N.J.; Martin, of Hollidaysburg; Jesse, of Newark, N.J.; George, of Topeka, Kas.; Roller and Ira, of this city; Mrs. Lavina Bowser, of Hollidaysburg; Mrs. Clara Hicks, of Glenlock, Kas.; Mrs. Mary Johnson, of Huntingdon; and Mrs. J.W. Kemmerling, of this city.

Mrs. Baird passed all her life in Blair county and came to Altoona in 1880, having resided in this city nearly fourteen years. For the last two years she has made her home with her son-in-law, Mr. J.W. Kemmerling, at whose residence she died. On coming to Altoona Mrs. Baird united with the First Baptist church, and until failing health compelled her to relinquish active work in the church she was always found ready to promote every good cause and the interest of the charge.

Funeral services will be conducted at the residence of Mr. Kemmerling at 12 noon Thursday. The funeral procession will at the conclusion of the services proceed to the station, and the 1:50 p.m. train will be taken for Hollidaysburg. On arrival there, the interment will be made in Jackson cemetery.