Last rites for James Baker, Civil war veteran and early comer to Smith county, drew a large crowd of relatives and friends to the Simmons-Rice funeral home in this city last Friday forenoon, Rev. Roy Frey of the local Methodist church officiated and the audience paid closest attention as he extolled the many virtues of the deceased. Mrs. Dan Moorman and Mrs. Milo Cameron sang beautifully two duets, the last being, "Tenting On The Old Camp Ground," with Mrs. Milo Chance at the piano. A squad of Smith Center American Legion members were in charge at the grave in the Cora cemetery, and a firing squad gave the usual military salute as the body was consigned to its last resting place.
..James Baker, son of Daniel and Mary Baker, was born near Lafayette, Ind., March 19, 1846, and died July 30, 1940, at the age of 94 years, four months and 10 days. He was the eldest son of 13 children, 12 of them growing to maturity. At the age of 16 years, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for fresh recruits for the Union army and imbued with the patriotic spirit, liberty loving, he volunteered his services with Company E, 87th Ohio Infantry, enlisting at Columbus Ohio.
..At the battle of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1862 he was taken prisoner while gallantly serving the Union cause. He was later paroled and returned to Ohio, and then went to his home in Indiana where he lived until the following July when he re-enlisted for eight months in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry. At the end of his period of enlistment he again returned to his home to work at Lafayette, Indiana. However, the soldier spirit was not subdued while bitter struggle for freedom lasted and in a short time he again enlisted, this time as a private with the 43rd Indiana Infantry, with which organization he continued to serve his country until the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox court house, Virginia, in 1865.
..During his enlistment and while serving under the command of General Burnside, he fought in the engagements against the Confederates under the impetuous General Hood at Blue Springs, Wakes Ford, and Faresville, Tenn. His command pushed the enemy relentlessly and was instrumental in finally breaking all resistance of the southern forces in Tennessee and routing them from the state. During the latter days of the war, he served as a guard over Confederate prisoners of war at Indianapolis, Ind. He made the statement that the prisoners suffered severely from the cold, but were never allowed to starve. When mustered out of military service, Mr. Baker returned to Indiana where, in 1865 he was united in wedlock with Margaret Keener. To this union were born three children: Emma, Edward and Oliver. He farmed for eight years until the death of his wife, when with his three small children he moved to Illinois where he resided for five years.
..In 1875 he came to Smith county, Kansas, and after walking from Hastings, Nebr., across the sparsely settled prairies he selected his homestead in Cora township which he cultivated to a high state of improvement. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary Alice Keime. To this union were born four children: Lauro, Ida, Dan and Clarence; all living except Ida, who died in 1920. He leaves to mourn his death one sister living in Illinois, and three brothers; six children: Mrs. Will Cameron and Edward Baker of Smith Center: Dan and Clarence Baker of Red Cloud, Nebr.; Laura Harris of Wauneta, Nebr.; and Oliver Baker of Leedy, Okla. Other surviving relatives are 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
..In 1919, Mr. Baker moved to a small tract of land he had purchased in the beactiful Ozark country near Branson, Mo., where he lived in quiet retirement near lake Taneycone where he was very fond of fishing and boating. In the late fall of 1937 becoming feeble with advanced age, he returned to Smith county to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Will Cameron, where he was cared for most tenderly and thoughtfully, no sacrifice being considered too great if it added to his comfort. Courageous, selfreliant, always thoughtful of the interest of his family, courteous and kindly to all, he was ever a source of inspiration to those who loved him and respected by all who knew him. In the sunset days of his full life he was a patient sufferer, never willing to become a burden to those about him. Until recent months his intellect remained remarkably clear for one of his advanced age. When the end became apparent, word quickly flashed to distant loved ones, but before all of them could arrive the gallant fighting spirit had bowed to the inevitable and passed without a tremor into the realm of the great unknown. As a heritage for his descendents this true patriarch of the Kansas prairies leaves the sterling qualities of character which memories of his life among us will always invoke.
source: Smith County Pioneer, Aug. 8, 1940
..James Baker, son of Daniel and Mary Baker, was born near Lafayette, Ind., March 19, 1846, and died July 30, 1940, at the age of 94 years, four months and 10 days. He was the eldest son of 13 children, 12 of them growing to maturity. At the age of 16 years, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for fresh recruits for the Union army and imbued with the patriotic spirit, liberty loving, he volunteered his services with Company E, 87th Ohio Infantry, enlisting at Columbus Ohio.
..At the battle of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1862 he was taken prisoner while gallantly serving the Union cause. He was later paroled and returned to Ohio, and then went to his home in Indiana where he lived until the following July when he re-enlisted for eight months in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry. At the end of his period of enlistment he again returned to his home to work at Lafayette, Indiana. However, the soldier spirit was not subdued while bitter struggle for freedom lasted and in a short time he again enlisted, this time as a private with the 43rd Indiana Infantry, with which organization he continued to serve his country until the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox court house, Virginia, in 1865.
..During his enlistment and while serving under the command of General Burnside, he fought in the engagements against the Confederates under the impetuous General Hood at Blue Springs, Wakes Ford, and Faresville, Tenn. His command pushed the enemy relentlessly and was instrumental in finally breaking all resistance of the southern forces in Tennessee and routing them from the state. During the latter days of the war, he served as a guard over Confederate prisoners of war at Indianapolis, Ind. He made the statement that the prisoners suffered severely from the cold, but were never allowed to starve. When mustered out of military service, Mr. Baker returned to Indiana where, in 1865 he was united in wedlock with Margaret Keener. To this union were born three children: Emma, Edward and Oliver. He farmed for eight years until the death of his wife, when with his three small children he moved to Illinois where he resided for five years.
..In 1875 he came to Smith county, Kansas, and after walking from Hastings, Nebr., across the sparsely settled prairies he selected his homestead in Cora township which he cultivated to a high state of improvement. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary Alice Keime. To this union were born four children: Lauro, Ida, Dan and Clarence; all living except Ida, who died in 1920. He leaves to mourn his death one sister living in Illinois, and three brothers; six children: Mrs. Will Cameron and Edward Baker of Smith Center: Dan and Clarence Baker of Red Cloud, Nebr.; Laura Harris of Wauneta, Nebr.; and Oliver Baker of Leedy, Okla. Other surviving relatives are 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
..In 1919, Mr. Baker moved to a small tract of land he had purchased in the beactiful Ozark country near Branson, Mo., where he lived in quiet retirement near lake Taneycone where he was very fond of fishing and boating. In the late fall of 1937 becoming feeble with advanced age, he returned to Smith county to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Will Cameron, where he was cared for most tenderly and thoughtfully, no sacrifice being considered too great if it added to his comfort. Courageous, selfreliant, always thoughtful of the interest of his family, courteous and kindly to all, he was ever a source of inspiration to those who loved him and respected by all who knew him. In the sunset days of his full life he was a patient sufferer, never willing to become a burden to those about him. Until recent months his intellect remained remarkably clear for one of his advanced age. When the end became apparent, word quickly flashed to distant loved ones, but before all of them could arrive the gallant fighting spirit had bowed to the inevitable and passed without a tremor into the realm of the great unknown. As a heritage for his descendents this true patriarch of the Kansas prairies leaves the sterling qualities of character which memories of his life among us will always invoke.
source: Smith County Pioneer, Aug. 8, 1940
Last rites for James Baker, Civil war veteran and early comer to Smith county, drew a large crowd of relatives and friends to the Simmons-Rice funeral home in this city last Friday forenoon, Rev. Roy Frey of the local Methodist church officiated and the audience paid closest attention as he extolled the many virtues of the deceased. Mrs. Dan Moorman and Mrs. Milo Cameron sang beautifully two duets, the last being, "Tenting On The Old Camp Ground," with Mrs. Milo Chance at the piano. A squad of Smith Center American Legion members were in charge at the grave in the Cora cemetery, and a firing squad gave the usual military salute as the body was consigned to its last resting place.
..James Baker, son of Daniel and Mary Baker, was born near Lafayette, Ind., March 19, 1846, and died July 30, 1940, at the age of 94 years, four months and 10 days. He was the eldest son of 13 children, 12 of them growing to maturity. At the age of 16 years, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for fresh recruits for the Union army and imbued with the patriotic spirit, liberty loving, he volunteered his services with Company E, 87th Ohio Infantry, enlisting at Columbus Ohio.
..At the battle of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1862 he was taken prisoner while gallantly serving the Union cause. He was later paroled and returned to Ohio, and then went to his home in Indiana where he lived until the following July when he re-enlisted for eight months in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry. At the end of his period of enlistment he again returned to his home to work at Lafayette, Indiana. However, the soldier spirit was not subdued while bitter struggle for freedom lasted and in a short time he again enlisted, this time as a private with the 43rd Indiana Infantry, with which organization he continued to serve his country until the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox court house, Virginia, in 1865.
..During his enlistment and while serving under the command of General Burnside, he fought in the engagements against the Confederates under the impetuous General Hood at Blue Springs, Wakes Ford, and Faresville, Tenn. His command pushed the enemy relentlessly and was instrumental in finally breaking all resistance of the southern forces in Tennessee and routing them from the state. During the latter days of the war, he served as a guard over Confederate prisoners of war at Indianapolis, Ind. He made the statement that the prisoners suffered severely from the cold, but were never allowed to starve. When mustered out of military service, Mr. Baker returned to Indiana where, in 1865 he was united in wedlock with Margaret Keener. To this union were born three children: Emma, Edward and Oliver. He farmed for eight years until the death of his wife, when with his three small children he moved to Illinois where he resided for five years.
..In 1875 he came to Smith county, Kansas, and after walking from Hastings, Nebr., across the sparsely settled prairies he selected his homestead in Cora township which he cultivated to a high state of improvement. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary Alice Keime. To this union were born four children: Lauro, Ida, Dan and Clarence; all living except Ida, who died in 1920. He leaves to mourn his death one sister living in Illinois, and three brothers; six children: Mrs. Will Cameron and Edward Baker of Smith Center: Dan and Clarence Baker of Red Cloud, Nebr.; Laura Harris of Wauneta, Nebr.; and Oliver Baker of Leedy, Okla. Other surviving relatives are 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
..In 1919, Mr. Baker moved to a small tract of land he had purchased in the beactiful Ozark country near Branson, Mo., where he lived in quiet retirement near lake Taneycone where he was very fond of fishing and boating. In the late fall of 1937 becoming feeble with advanced age, he returned to Smith county to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Will Cameron, where he was cared for most tenderly and thoughtfully, no sacrifice being considered too great if it added to his comfort. Courageous, selfreliant, always thoughtful of the interest of his family, courteous and kindly to all, he was ever a source of inspiration to those who loved him and respected by all who knew him. In the sunset days of his full life he was a patient sufferer, never willing to become a burden to those about him. Until recent months his intellect remained remarkably clear for one of his advanced age. When the end became apparent, word quickly flashed to distant loved ones, but before all of them could arrive the gallant fighting spirit had bowed to the inevitable and passed without a tremor into the realm of the great unknown. As a heritage for his descendents this true patriarch of the Kansas prairies leaves the sterling qualities of character which memories of his life among us will always invoke.
source: Smith County Pioneer, Aug. 8, 1940
..James Baker, son of Daniel and Mary Baker, was born near Lafayette, Ind., March 19, 1846, and died July 30, 1940, at the age of 94 years, four months and 10 days. He was the eldest son of 13 children, 12 of them growing to maturity. At the age of 16 years, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for fresh recruits for the Union army and imbued with the patriotic spirit, liberty loving, he volunteered his services with Company E, 87th Ohio Infantry, enlisting at Columbus Ohio.
..At the battle of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1862 he was taken prisoner while gallantly serving the Union cause. He was later paroled and returned to Ohio, and then went to his home in Indiana where he lived until the following July when he re-enlisted for eight months in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry. At the end of his period of enlistment he again returned to his home to work at Lafayette, Indiana. However, the soldier spirit was not subdued while bitter struggle for freedom lasted and in a short time he again enlisted, this time as a private with the 43rd Indiana Infantry, with which organization he continued to serve his country until the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox court house, Virginia, in 1865.
..During his enlistment and while serving under the command of General Burnside, he fought in the engagements against the Confederates under the impetuous General Hood at Blue Springs, Wakes Ford, and Faresville, Tenn. His command pushed the enemy relentlessly and was instrumental in finally breaking all resistance of the southern forces in Tennessee and routing them from the state. During the latter days of the war, he served as a guard over Confederate prisoners of war at Indianapolis, Ind. He made the statement that the prisoners suffered severely from the cold, but were never allowed to starve. When mustered out of military service, Mr. Baker returned to Indiana where, in 1865 he was united in wedlock with Margaret Keener. To this union were born three children: Emma, Edward and Oliver. He farmed for eight years until the death of his wife, when with his three small children he moved to Illinois where he resided for five years.
..In 1875 he came to Smith county, Kansas, and after walking from Hastings, Nebr., across the sparsely settled prairies he selected his homestead in Cora township which he cultivated to a high state of improvement. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary Alice Keime. To this union were born four children: Lauro, Ida, Dan and Clarence; all living except Ida, who died in 1920. He leaves to mourn his death one sister living in Illinois, and three brothers; six children: Mrs. Will Cameron and Edward Baker of Smith Center: Dan and Clarence Baker of Red Cloud, Nebr.; Laura Harris of Wauneta, Nebr.; and Oliver Baker of Leedy, Okla. Other surviving relatives are 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
..In 1919, Mr. Baker moved to a small tract of land he had purchased in the beactiful Ozark country near Branson, Mo., where he lived in quiet retirement near lake Taneycone where he was very fond of fishing and boating. In the late fall of 1937 becoming feeble with advanced age, he returned to Smith county to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Will Cameron, where he was cared for most tenderly and thoughtfully, no sacrifice being considered too great if it added to his comfort. Courageous, selfreliant, always thoughtful of the interest of his family, courteous and kindly to all, he was ever a source of inspiration to those who loved him and respected by all who knew him. In the sunset days of his full life he was a patient sufferer, never willing to become a burden to those about him. Until recent months his intellect remained remarkably clear for one of his advanced age. When the end became apparent, word quickly flashed to distant loved ones, but before all of them could arrive the gallant fighting spirit had bowed to the inevitable and passed without a tremor into the realm of the great unknown. As a heritage for his descendents this true patriarch of the Kansas prairies leaves the sterling qualities of character which memories of his life among us will always invoke.
source: Smith County Pioneer, Aug. 8, 1940
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
