Union Banner, Thursday, May 13, 1915 DEATH OF UNCLE JOHN BAKER

With the late death of Uncle John Baker, is marked the breaking of another
link in the already weak chain that connects the pioneer days of this
Section of the State with the present time. Uncle John (as he was familiarly
known all over the County) was one of the few men living in the present
period of time whose lives date back of the history of Chilton County,
and hold together transactions of those days and the doings of our modern
times.

The worthy gentlemen to whose memory these few words are meant as a
tribute, was born in South Carolina in the year 1825, making him at
the time of his death, 89 years old. He came to what is now Chilton
County (then Autauga, later known as Baker County) with his parents
while he was in his infancy. They settled near the present site of
the town of Clanton and have lived here ever since, growing into one
of the largest and most prominent family trees in this section of Alabama.

At the age of 18 years, he was married to Miss Phariby Mims, who died
in 1900. They became the parents of 10 children, 8 boys and 2 girls,
all of whom died prior to the demise of their Father, except the two
boys, they being the oldest and the youngest of the children. But all
the children lived to marry and rear families in this County.

At the time death came to him, Uncle John could look around him and
see his own descendents down to the 5th generation.

His death was caused by no special ailment. It was the result of
infirmities caused by his advanced age.

His remains were entered at Walnut Creek Cemetery, Thursday, April 29th,
the burial being carried out according to his own specifications and
designs. Rev. F. A. Gibson officiated at the ceremony, in the presence
of hundreds of relatives and friends. There are so many things, which
could be said in honor of the good man's life, but after all, they would
merely be the repetition of the estimation, which he held in the minds
of and acquaintances of practically every man in this County.

He was probably more universally known than any other man in this
section, and was equally honored and respected.

His life as a whole was a sober, honest, honorable and up right one.
He loved his Country and cherished the friendships of his fellows.
In all things, he was far- sighted and reliable, and his judgment could
be trusted.

As a proper conclusion to these last words in his memory, it may truly
be said that Uncle John Baker was a MAN, and anything that in any way
concerted a man, always found him ready to respond to the call of his
duty to Right, to Justice, and to God.

Many a life has been touched by his at some time or other. Many of them
are still on the road to destiny, bearing evidence of his influences.
A voice rises from all of them now, and may he be permitted to know, in
his occupancy of his reward, that they wish peace to his ashes.(Author
Unknown)

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank our many friends who aided us during the sickness and
death of our beloved Father John Baker. May God's richest blessings
fall upon them is our prayer.

Mr. and Mrs. John Baker, Jr.