-- -- -- -- --
NAME: Rose Ann Hallack Baker (1837-1912).
HUSBAND: Alexander Hamilton Baker (1835-1920).
THREE DAUGHTERS:
• Dora L. Baker.
• Mary L. "Mollie" Baker.
• Nellie Baker.
-- -- -- -- --
BAKER FAMILY GRAVESTONE:
Hamilton BAKER
Dakota City Public Cemetery
Dakota County, Nebraska.
Mollie d 5-26-1894 age 31y 2m 14d
Rose 1836-1912
Dora 1858-1912
Hamilton 1834-1920
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1912 OBITUARY: Mrs. Rose (Hallock) Baker, wife of A.H. Baker. [Obituary transcribed by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
.
NEWSPAPER: "DAKOTA COUNTY HERALD," (Dakota City, Nebraska). Published June 28, 1912.
.
DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER PIONEER.
.
"The grim reaper, Death, has again crossed the threshold of one of Dakota City's homes and taken there from a loving wife, mother, and friend and neighbor whose congenial presence will be missed in many ways.
.
Mrs. A.H. [Alexander Hamilton] Baker passed away Friday, June 21, 1912, at her home in this place, after an illness of only two days, or cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 14 days. Although her health had not been good for several years, her sudden demise was unexpected and came as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Baker was one of the first pioneer residents of Dakota county, coming to Omadi in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock. She had experienced all the hardships that befall the early settler of a wild, primeval country, as Dakota county was at that time. The only means of connection with civilization for many years after her arrival here was by steamboat on the Missouri river or by stage coach, and both were very uncertain. Yet withal, she lived to see Dakota county develop into one of the garden spots of this great state, and also to see many of those who were her associates and friends in the early days pass to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.
.
Rose Hallock was born in Cuba, New York October 10, 1838. She came to Nebraska in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock and wife. Was married to Alexander Hamilton Baker September 30, 1857, at Omadi, Dakota county. There children were born to them, Dora Lucreta, who died September 16, 1911; Mary Estella, died May 26, 1894, and Mrs. Nellie Mason.
.
Mrs. Baker was converted during the revival held in the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Delemater. This work of grace was far-reaching in its results. We will miss her more and more as the days go by. She is safe forever. No more pain or sorrow. Ere this she has greeted her Savior and her loved ones in that land where the rainbow never fades and where the stars will by spread out before us like the Islands that slumber in the ocean and where the beautiful beings that pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever.
.
The funeral services were held Sunday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Warren conducting the services. Interment was in Dakota City cemetery."
.
[END].
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA. Settlers of 1855: Alexander H. Baker; and, Jacob Hallock.
.
Warner's HISTORY OF DAKOTA county.
Page 167.
.
SETTLERS OF 1855.
.
..."A. H. BAKER came strolling along through the west and crossed over the river to Dakota county August 23. 1855. He was "young and full of vim," and went to work building a saw mill on Omaha creek, near the town of Omadi, [Nebraska Territory].
.
Besides himself, there were interested in this mill, JACOB HALLOCK, Geo. T. Woods and Chauncey A. Horr. It was one of the finest mill sites ever seen in this part of the country. Omaha Creek at that time made a square angle about a mile south of where is now located the Gideon Warner farm, and turning southward until it reached the bluffs, thence east to the river below Blyburg. But during the flood in the spring of 1857, when a great volume of water broke over the river bank above old St. Johns, and rushing down along the bluff's past Col. H. Baird's place into Omaha Creek, so great was the pressure of this vast amount of water that it cut a channel straight through to the river. It was in the summer of 1855 when he, in company with George T. Woods, William Cheney and others, crossed the Missouri River and went on a claim-hunting expedition. They crossed over at Omadi, went south to the bluffs through high grass, jungles, mud, water, creeks and the wildest looking country ever seen by mortal eyes in the west. Went eastward along the bluffs to Blyburg, struck across the hills to Squaw Creek, where Samuel Rymell lives, then to where Homer now stands and on up to Col. Baird's place. Here they crossed and re-crossed the creek. Every time they came to a bead in the stream they supposed it was another creek and would plunge in and swim across. They thought they had never before seen such a country for creeks. It was night when they reached their boats at Omadi, and a more weary, hungry and foot-sore crowd had never before or since been seen in Dakota county. To show the reader what a trip they made that day we will state that the same journey can hardly be male today by the strongest person, when he would have the advantage of good roads.
.
The winter of 1855 was extremely cold, the mercury never getting above the freezing point from the 23d of December until spring, and the snow was eighteen inches deep most of the winter, never drifting in the least. These sturdy pioneers worked away at the saw mill, and by spring had it ready to go to sawing lumber. They sold the mill and bought a steam saw mill in the town of Omadi. Here Mr. Baker worked about seven years. Was elected county commissioner at the first election held in Dakota county in November, 1856. In the summer of 1858, while he was commissioner, the question of submitting a proposition to the vote of the people in regard to changing the county seat from Dakota City, which had been located there by an act of the legislature passed. January 23, 1856, to some other point, came up before the board for action. The affirmative was represented by John Taff, negative by Wm. Lockwood, Taff opening the discussion. He wanted the county seat moved to Omadi. Loud was his voice, and defiantly did he "saw the air" with his long arms. Lockwood replied with a still more fiery speech, and it looked at one time as if there would be a mortal combat between the two men. Taff, who was afterwards called to congress from this state to appear before the nation's wise debaters, won his point, and the commissioners allowed the people to vote on the proposition August 2 of that year. Dakota City came out victorious. Mr. Baker was afterwards elected probate judge for Dakota county. But let us tell you what he had done in the meantime. He was not contented with three partners in the milling business; another partner seemed essential in the running of that mill. NOW, JACOB HALLOCK HAD A SISTER, MISS ROSE, WHO PROMISED TO BE MR. BAKER'S PARTNER TO THE END OF LIFE, AND ACCORDINGLY ON THE 20th OF SEPTEMBER, 1857, THEY WERE MARRIED, and have three daughters — Mrs. Willam Eckhart, Mollie and Nellie. [Caps added for emphasis].
.
In 1863 he removed to Decatur, worked at the mason trade about two years, then returned to Dakota City; run a saw mill, which stood in the southwestern part of the town, two years, then removed to the Winnebago agency, ran the saw mill there about two years, then returned to Dakota City, and resided there until 1884, when he was appointed miller and sawyer at the Winnebago agency under Agent Wilkinson. He has also been member of the Nebraska legislature and held various other offices. Was one of the partners who built the Emmit mill at Jackson.
.
Mr. Baker was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in 1834, afterwards came to McHenry county, Illinois. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa. Landed on Nebraska's fertile soil Aug. 23, 1855, which has ever since been his home. By his square and straightforward dealings with his fellowmen he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him."
.
[End].
.
Posted by Cathy Porter-Maynard.
.
-- -- -- -- --
NAME: Rose Ann Hallack Baker (1837-1912).
HUSBAND: Alexander Hamilton Baker (1835-1920).
THREE DAUGHTERS:
• Dora L. Baker.
• Mary L. "Mollie" Baker.
• Nellie Baker.
-- -- -- -- --
BAKER FAMILY GRAVESTONE:
Hamilton BAKER
Dakota City Public Cemetery
Dakota County, Nebraska.
Mollie d 5-26-1894 age 31y 2m 14d
Rose 1836-1912
Dora 1858-1912
Hamilton 1834-1920
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1912 OBITUARY: Mrs. Rose (Hallock) Baker, wife of A.H. Baker. [Obituary transcribed by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
.
NEWSPAPER: "DAKOTA COUNTY HERALD," (Dakota City, Nebraska). Published June 28, 1912.
.
DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER PIONEER.
.
"The grim reaper, Death, has again crossed the threshold of one of Dakota City's homes and taken there from a loving wife, mother, and friend and neighbor whose congenial presence will be missed in many ways.
.
Mrs. A.H. [Alexander Hamilton] Baker passed away Friday, June 21, 1912, at her home in this place, after an illness of only two days, or cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 14 days. Although her health had not been good for several years, her sudden demise was unexpected and came as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Baker was one of the first pioneer residents of Dakota county, coming to Omadi in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock. She had experienced all the hardships that befall the early settler of a wild, primeval country, as Dakota county was at that time. The only means of connection with civilization for many years after her arrival here was by steamboat on the Missouri river or by stage coach, and both were very uncertain. Yet withal, she lived to see Dakota county develop into one of the garden spots of this great state, and also to see many of those who were her associates and friends in the early days pass to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.
.
Rose Hallock was born in Cuba, New York October 10, 1838. She came to Nebraska in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock and wife. Was married to Alexander Hamilton Baker September 30, 1857, at Omadi, Dakota county. There children were born to them, Dora Lucreta, who died September 16, 1911; Mary Estella, died May 26, 1894, and Mrs. Nellie Mason.
.
Mrs. Baker was converted during the revival held in the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Delemater. This work of grace was far-reaching in its results. We will miss her more and more as the days go by. She is safe forever. No more pain or sorrow. Ere this she has greeted her Savior and her loved ones in that land where the rainbow never fades and where the stars will by spread out before us like the Islands that slumber in the ocean and where the beautiful beings that pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever.
.
The funeral services were held Sunday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Warren conducting the services. Interment was in Dakota City cemetery."
.
[END].
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA. Settlers of 1855: Alexander H. Baker; and, Jacob Hallock.
.
Warner's HISTORY OF DAKOTA county.
Page 167.
.
SETTLERS OF 1855.
.
..."A. H. BAKER came strolling along through the west and crossed over the river to Dakota county August 23. 1855. He was "young and full of vim," and went to work building a saw mill on Omaha creek, near the town of Omadi, [Nebraska Territory].
.
Besides himself, there were interested in this mill, JACOB HALLOCK, Geo. T. Woods and Chauncey A. Horr. It was one of the finest mill sites ever seen in this part of the country. Omaha Creek at that time made a square angle about a mile south of where is now located the Gideon Warner farm, and turning southward until it reached the bluffs, thence east to the river below Blyburg. But during the flood in the spring of 1857, when a great volume of water broke over the river bank above old St. Johns, and rushing down along the bluff's past Col. H. Baird's place into Omaha Creek, so great was the pressure of this vast amount of water that it cut a channel straight through to the river. It was in the summer of 1855 when he, in company with George T. Woods, William Cheney and others, crossed the Missouri River and went on a claim-hunting expedition. They crossed over at Omadi, went south to the bluffs through high grass, jungles, mud, water, creeks and the wildest looking country ever seen by mortal eyes in the west. Went eastward along the bluffs to Blyburg, struck across the hills to Squaw Creek, where Samuel Rymell lives, then to where Homer now stands and on up to Col. Baird's place. Here they crossed and re-crossed the creek. Every time they came to a bead in the stream they supposed it was another creek and would plunge in and swim across. They thought they had never before seen such a country for creeks. It was night when they reached their boats at Omadi, and a more weary, hungry and foot-sore crowd had never before or since been seen in Dakota county. To show the reader what a trip they made that day we will state that the same journey can hardly be male today by the strongest person, when he would have the advantage of good roads.
.
The winter of 1855 was extremely cold, the mercury never getting above the freezing point from the 23d of December until spring, and the snow was eighteen inches deep most of the winter, never drifting in the least. These sturdy pioneers worked away at the saw mill, and by spring had it ready to go to sawing lumber. They sold the mill and bought a steam saw mill in the town of Omadi. Here Mr. Baker worked about seven years. Was elected county commissioner at the first election held in Dakota county in November, 1856. In the summer of 1858, while he was commissioner, the question of submitting a proposition to the vote of the people in regard to changing the county seat from Dakota City, which had been located there by an act of the legislature passed. January 23, 1856, to some other point, came up before the board for action. The affirmative was represented by John Taff, negative by Wm. Lockwood, Taff opening the discussion. He wanted the county seat moved to Omadi. Loud was his voice, and defiantly did he "saw the air" with his long arms. Lockwood replied with a still more fiery speech, and it looked at one time as if there would be a mortal combat between the two men. Taff, who was afterwards called to congress from this state to appear before the nation's wise debaters, won his point, and the commissioners allowed the people to vote on the proposition August 2 of that year. Dakota City came out victorious. Mr. Baker was afterwards elected probate judge for Dakota county. But let us tell you what he had done in the meantime. He was not contented with three partners in the milling business; another partner seemed essential in the running of that mill. NOW, JACOB HALLOCK HAD A SISTER, MISS ROSE, WHO PROMISED TO BE MR. BAKER'S PARTNER TO THE END OF LIFE, AND ACCORDINGLY ON THE 20th OF SEPTEMBER, 1857, THEY WERE MARRIED, and have three daughters — Mrs. Willam Eckhart, Mollie and Nellie. [Caps added for emphasis].
.
In 1863 he removed to Decatur, worked at the mason trade about two years, then returned to Dakota City; run a saw mill, which stood in the southwestern part of the town, two years, then removed to the Winnebago agency, ran the saw mill there about two years, then returned to Dakota City, and resided there until 1884, when he was appointed miller and sawyer at the Winnebago agency under Agent Wilkinson. He has also been member of the Nebraska legislature and held various other offices. Was one of the partners who built the Emmit mill at Jackson.
.
Mr. Baker was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in 1834, afterwards came to McHenry county, Illinois. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa. Landed on Nebraska's fertile soil Aug. 23, 1855, which has ever since been his home. By his square and straightforward dealings with his fellowmen he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him."
.
[End].
.
Posted by Cathy Porter-Maynard.
.
-- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- --
NAME: Rose Ann Hallack Baker (1837-1912).
HUSBAND: Alexander Hamilton Baker (1835-1920).
THREE DAUGHTERS:
• Dora L. Baker.
• Mary L. "Mollie" Baker.
• Nellie Baker.
-- -- -- -- --
BAKER FAMILY GRAVESTONE:
Hamilton BAKER
Dakota City Public Cemetery
Dakota County, Nebraska.
Mollie d 5-26-1894 age 31y 2m 14d
Rose 1836-1912
Dora 1858-1912
Hamilton 1834-1920
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1912 OBITUARY: Mrs. Rose (Hallock) Baker, wife of A.H. Baker. [Obituary transcribed by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
.
NEWSPAPER: "DAKOTA COUNTY HERALD," (Dakota City, Nebraska). Published June 28, 1912.
.
DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER PIONEER.
.
"The grim reaper, Death, has again crossed the threshold of one of Dakota City's homes and taken there from a loving wife, mother, and friend and neighbor whose congenial presence will be missed in many ways.
.
Mrs. A.H. [Alexander Hamilton] Baker passed away Friday, June 21, 1912, at her home in this place, after an illness of only two days, or cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 14 days. Although her health had not been good for several years, her sudden demise was unexpected and came as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Baker was one of the first pioneer residents of Dakota county, coming to Omadi in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock. She had experienced all the hardships that befall the early settler of a wild, primeval country, as Dakota county was at that time. The only means of connection with civilization for many years after her arrival here was by steamboat on the Missouri river or by stage coach, and both were very uncertain. Yet withal, she lived to see Dakota county develop into one of the garden spots of this great state, and also to see many of those who were her associates and friends in the early days pass to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.
.
Rose Hallock was born in Cuba, New York October 10, 1838. She came to Nebraska in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock and wife. Was married to Alexander Hamilton Baker September 30, 1857, at Omadi, Dakota county. There children were born to them, Dora Lucreta, who died September 16, 1911; Mary Estella, died May 26, 1894, and Mrs. Nellie Mason.
.
Mrs. Baker was converted during the revival held in the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Delemater. This work of grace was far-reaching in its results. We will miss her more and more as the days go by. She is safe forever. No more pain or sorrow. Ere this she has greeted her Savior and her loved ones in that land where the rainbow never fades and where the stars will by spread out before us like the Islands that slumber in the ocean and where the beautiful beings that pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever.
.
The funeral services were held Sunday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Warren conducting the services. Interment was in Dakota City cemetery."
.
[END].
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA. Settlers of 1855: Alexander H. Baker; and, Jacob Hallock.
.
Warner's HISTORY OF DAKOTA county.
Page 167.
.
SETTLERS OF 1855.
.
..."A. H. BAKER came strolling along through the west and crossed over the river to Dakota county August 23. 1855. He was "young and full of vim," and went to work building a saw mill on Omaha creek, near the town of Omadi, [Nebraska Territory].
.
Besides himself, there were interested in this mill, JACOB HALLOCK, Geo. T. Woods and Chauncey A. Horr. It was one of the finest mill sites ever seen in this part of the country. Omaha Creek at that time made a square angle about a mile south of where is now located the Gideon Warner farm, and turning southward until it reached the bluffs, thence east to the river below Blyburg. But during the flood in the spring of 1857, when a great volume of water broke over the river bank above old St. Johns, and rushing down along the bluff's past Col. H. Baird's place into Omaha Creek, so great was the pressure of this vast amount of water that it cut a channel straight through to the river. It was in the summer of 1855 when he, in company with George T. Woods, William Cheney and others, crossed the Missouri River and went on a claim-hunting expedition. They crossed over at Omadi, went south to the bluffs through high grass, jungles, mud, water, creeks and the wildest looking country ever seen by mortal eyes in the west. Went eastward along the bluffs to Blyburg, struck across the hills to Squaw Creek, where Samuel Rymell lives, then to where Homer now stands and on up to Col. Baird's place. Here they crossed and re-crossed the creek. Every time they came to a bead in the stream they supposed it was another creek and would plunge in and swim across. They thought they had never before seen such a country for creeks. It was night when they reached their boats at Omadi, and a more weary, hungry and foot-sore crowd had never before or since been seen in Dakota county. To show the reader what a trip they made that day we will state that the same journey can hardly be male today by the strongest person, when he would have the advantage of good roads.
.
The winter of 1855 was extremely cold, the mercury never getting above the freezing point from the 23d of December until spring, and the snow was eighteen inches deep most of the winter, never drifting in the least. These sturdy pioneers worked away at the saw mill, and by spring had it ready to go to sawing lumber. They sold the mill and bought a steam saw mill in the town of Omadi. Here Mr. Baker worked about seven years. Was elected county commissioner at the first election held in Dakota county in November, 1856. In the summer of 1858, while he was commissioner, the question of submitting a proposition to the vote of the people in regard to changing the county seat from Dakota City, which had been located there by an act of the legislature passed. January 23, 1856, to some other point, came up before the board for action. The affirmative was represented by John Taff, negative by Wm. Lockwood, Taff opening the discussion. He wanted the county seat moved to Omadi. Loud was his voice, and defiantly did he "saw the air" with his long arms. Lockwood replied with a still more fiery speech, and it looked at one time as if there would be a mortal combat between the two men. Taff, who was afterwards called to congress from this state to appear before the nation's wise debaters, won his point, and the commissioners allowed the people to vote on the proposition August 2 of that year. Dakota City came out victorious. Mr. Baker was afterwards elected probate judge for Dakota county. But let us tell you what he had done in the meantime. He was not contented with three partners in the milling business; another partner seemed essential in the running of that mill. NOW, JACOB HALLOCK HAD A SISTER, MISS ROSE, WHO PROMISED TO BE MR. BAKER'S PARTNER TO THE END OF LIFE, AND ACCORDINGLY ON THE 20th OF SEPTEMBER, 1857, THEY WERE MARRIED, and have three daughters — Mrs. Willam Eckhart, Mollie and Nellie. [Caps added for emphasis].
.
In 1863 he removed to Decatur, worked at the mason trade about two years, then returned to Dakota City; run a saw mill, which stood in the southwestern part of the town, two years, then removed to the Winnebago agency, ran the saw mill there about two years, then returned to Dakota City, and resided there until 1884, when he was appointed miller and sawyer at the Winnebago agency under Agent Wilkinson. He has also been member of the Nebraska legislature and held various other offices. Was one of the partners who built the Emmit mill at Jackson.
.
Mr. Baker was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in 1834, afterwards came to McHenry county, Illinois. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa. Landed on Nebraska's fertile soil Aug. 23, 1855, which has ever since been his home. By his square and straightforward dealings with his fellowmen he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him."
.
[End].
.
Posted by Cathy Porter-Maynard.
.
-- -- -- -- --
NAME: Rose Ann Hallack Baker (1837-1912).
HUSBAND: Alexander Hamilton Baker (1835-1920).
THREE DAUGHTERS:
• Dora L. Baker.
• Mary L. "Mollie" Baker.
• Nellie Baker.
-- -- -- -- --
BAKER FAMILY GRAVESTONE:
Hamilton BAKER
Dakota City Public Cemetery
Dakota County, Nebraska.
Mollie d 5-26-1894 age 31y 2m 14d
Rose 1836-1912
Dora 1858-1912
Hamilton 1834-1920
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1912 OBITUARY: Mrs. Rose (Hallock) Baker, wife of A.H. Baker. [Obituary transcribed by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
.
NEWSPAPER: "DAKOTA COUNTY HERALD," (Dakota City, Nebraska). Published June 28, 1912.
.
DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER PIONEER.
.
"The grim reaper, Death, has again crossed the threshold of one of Dakota City's homes and taken there from a loving wife, mother, and friend and neighbor whose congenial presence will be missed in many ways.
.
Mrs. A.H. [Alexander Hamilton] Baker passed away Friday, June 21, 1912, at her home in this place, after an illness of only two days, or cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 14 days. Although her health had not been good for several years, her sudden demise was unexpected and came as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Baker was one of the first pioneer residents of Dakota county, coming to Omadi in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock. She had experienced all the hardships that befall the early settler of a wild, primeval country, as Dakota county was at that time. The only means of connection with civilization for many years after her arrival here was by steamboat on the Missouri river or by stage coach, and both were very uncertain. Yet withal, she lived to see Dakota county develop into one of the garden spots of this great state, and also to see many of those who were her associates and friends in the early days pass to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.
.
Rose Hallock was born in Cuba, New York October 10, 1838. She came to Nebraska in 1856 with her brother, Jacob Hallock and wife. Was married to Alexander Hamilton Baker September 30, 1857, at Omadi, Dakota county. There children were born to them, Dora Lucreta, who died September 16, 1911; Mary Estella, died May 26, 1894, and Mrs. Nellie Mason.
.
Mrs. Baker was converted during the revival held in the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Delemater. This work of grace was far-reaching in its results. We will miss her more and more as the days go by. She is safe forever. No more pain or sorrow. Ere this she has greeted her Savior and her loved ones in that land where the rainbow never fades and where the stars will by spread out before us like the Islands that slumber in the ocean and where the beautiful beings that pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever.
.
The funeral services were held Sunday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Warren conducting the services. Interment was in Dakota City cemetery."
.
[END].
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA. Settlers of 1855: Alexander H. Baker; and, Jacob Hallock.
.
Warner's HISTORY OF DAKOTA county.
Page 167.
.
SETTLERS OF 1855.
.
..."A. H. BAKER came strolling along through the west and crossed over the river to Dakota county August 23. 1855. He was "young and full of vim," and went to work building a saw mill on Omaha creek, near the town of Omadi, [Nebraska Territory].
.
Besides himself, there were interested in this mill, JACOB HALLOCK, Geo. T. Woods and Chauncey A. Horr. It was one of the finest mill sites ever seen in this part of the country. Omaha Creek at that time made a square angle about a mile south of where is now located the Gideon Warner farm, and turning southward until it reached the bluffs, thence east to the river below Blyburg. But during the flood in the spring of 1857, when a great volume of water broke over the river bank above old St. Johns, and rushing down along the bluff's past Col. H. Baird's place into Omaha Creek, so great was the pressure of this vast amount of water that it cut a channel straight through to the river. It was in the summer of 1855 when he, in company with George T. Woods, William Cheney and others, crossed the Missouri River and went on a claim-hunting expedition. They crossed over at Omadi, went south to the bluffs through high grass, jungles, mud, water, creeks and the wildest looking country ever seen by mortal eyes in the west. Went eastward along the bluffs to Blyburg, struck across the hills to Squaw Creek, where Samuel Rymell lives, then to where Homer now stands and on up to Col. Baird's place. Here they crossed and re-crossed the creek. Every time they came to a bead in the stream they supposed it was another creek and would plunge in and swim across. They thought they had never before seen such a country for creeks. It was night when they reached their boats at Omadi, and a more weary, hungry and foot-sore crowd had never before or since been seen in Dakota county. To show the reader what a trip they made that day we will state that the same journey can hardly be male today by the strongest person, when he would have the advantage of good roads.
.
The winter of 1855 was extremely cold, the mercury never getting above the freezing point from the 23d of December until spring, and the snow was eighteen inches deep most of the winter, never drifting in the least. These sturdy pioneers worked away at the saw mill, and by spring had it ready to go to sawing lumber. They sold the mill and bought a steam saw mill in the town of Omadi. Here Mr. Baker worked about seven years. Was elected county commissioner at the first election held in Dakota county in November, 1856. In the summer of 1858, while he was commissioner, the question of submitting a proposition to the vote of the people in regard to changing the county seat from Dakota City, which had been located there by an act of the legislature passed. January 23, 1856, to some other point, came up before the board for action. The affirmative was represented by John Taff, negative by Wm. Lockwood, Taff opening the discussion. He wanted the county seat moved to Omadi. Loud was his voice, and defiantly did he "saw the air" with his long arms. Lockwood replied with a still more fiery speech, and it looked at one time as if there would be a mortal combat between the two men. Taff, who was afterwards called to congress from this state to appear before the nation's wise debaters, won his point, and the commissioners allowed the people to vote on the proposition August 2 of that year. Dakota City came out victorious. Mr. Baker was afterwards elected probate judge for Dakota county. But let us tell you what he had done in the meantime. He was not contented with three partners in the milling business; another partner seemed essential in the running of that mill. NOW, JACOB HALLOCK HAD A SISTER, MISS ROSE, WHO PROMISED TO BE MR. BAKER'S PARTNER TO THE END OF LIFE, AND ACCORDINGLY ON THE 20th OF SEPTEMBER, 1857, THEY WERE MARRIED, and have three daughters — Mrs. Willam Eckhart, Mollie and Nellie. [Caps added for emphasis].
.
In 1863 he removed to Decatur, worked at the mason trade about two years, then returned to Dakota City; run a saw mill, which stood in the southwestern part of the town, two years, then removed to the Winnebago agency, ran the saw mill there about two years, then returned to Dakota City, and resided there until 1884, when he was appointed miller and sawyer at the Winnebago agency under Agent Wilkinson. He has also been member of the Nebraska legislature and held various other offices. Was one of the partners who built the Emmit mill at Jackson.
.
Mr. Baker was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in 1834, afterwards came to McHenry county, Illinois. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa. Landed on Nebraska's fertile soil Aug. 23, 1855, which has ever since been his home. By his square and straightforward dealings with his fellowmen he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him."
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[End].
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Posted by Cathy Porter-Maynard.
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