P. B. Baker, Dies At Home in Hamill

P. B. Baker, 83, one of the pioneer residents of northeast Tripp county, died at his home at Hamill last Saturday, June 24.

Phillip B. Baker was born at Bowerstown, Ohio, in 1856, and his boyhood was spent near his birthplace. At an early age he came to Iowa, taking up his residence in Clinton County, where he married Mary M. Cornish. To this union were born nine children. Mr. Baker and family lived for a time in Denison, Iowa, before moving to Lynch, Neb., where he lived until he came to Tripp county in 1911. His first wife died there leaving the large family without a mother, and in 1908 he married Bessie Gorst. Two children belong to this marriage.

Mr. Baker served for a number of years as deputy sheriff in Neb., and held many public offices, at the time of his death holding the office of Justice of the Peace, which he had held many years. He was a member of the M.E. church and of the Odd fellows lodge, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Then the Methodist church in Hamill closed he and Mrs. Baker put their membership in the church at Winner, and Rev. Leach was called to preach the funeral sermon. Rev. Magee and student pastor, Eugene Larson, also had a part in the service. Music was furnished by the male quartet and by Eugene Larson. The funeral sevice was in the Winner cemetery.

Mr. Baker had arrived at the ripe age of 83 years, and the closing years of his life marked the end of a useful life. Members of his family and his devoted wife gave him every care. He enjoyed the respect of his neighbors and will be missed by them, but most by his family who made his home a happy meeting place as often as possible.

He is survived by his wife and nine children, besides nineteen grandchildren. The childre are: Mrs. L. V. Memmer, Avon; Mrs. Luckert, Creighto; Mrs. Justus, Omaha; Mrs. Bunker, Alice, John, Flora, Mrs. Roy Nelson, and Charles all of Hamill. A sister, Mrs. August Moeller, Iowa; and a brother, P. W. of Alaska.