Harry Baker

BAKER, WARE, NEEDHAM

Posted By: Alice Daniels (email)
Date: 2/27/2013 at 19:26:15

Centerville Daily Iowegian And Citizen
May 27, 1935

DEATH CALLS
HARRY BAKER
Well Known in Coal Industry and
An Expert Auditor and Accountant for Years

One of Centerville's best known residents, Harry Baker, died Saturday evening, May 25, about 9:30 o'clock at St. Joseph hospital where he had been under care for some time past. Perhaps no man in Appanoose county had been more closely identified with the leading industry of this part of Iowa, coal mining, or was better known among those identified with the industry than Harry Baker.
He was for thirteen years the secretary of the Centerville Union No. 553. Then he became auditor in the International offices at Indianapolis for about five years. Later he became paymaster for the Centerville Block Coal Co. at one-time the leading coal producers in southern Iowa, under the management of Alex Davgavel and W. W. Oliver, sturdy operators of Centerville’s best coal producing days. He acted as commissioner later in settling questions in controversy, between operators and miners, where his intimate and expert knowledge was invaluable. Lately he had been doing some administrative work in behalf of the relief organization in looking after the allotment of gardens.
He had an exceptional mind for figures, and detail and was devoted to accuracy. Absolute confidence was placed in his books and his calculations. While he handled large sums of money and kept almost innumerable accounts there was never a question but what he had performed his work with thoroughness and honesty. He took great pleasure in applying himself to useful work, he never courting idleness or inactivity,
but feeling his best when occupied at something where he was showing results for his efforts. Loyalty to those who placed a trust in him, fidelity to his task, and a performance of his work without fear or favor, and in entire honesty characterized his attitude toward responsibility.
Harry Baker was born Jan 9, 1872 at Vera, Wisconsin, the son of Fayette W. and Lillian Howard Baker. They came to Appanoose county when he was eight years old and made their home in what is now the southwest portion of Centerville. He married Mary Elizabeth Ware December 31, 1896. One child Irene was born to them, she being the wife of W. H. Needham of Sigourney. They have two sons, John Howard and Billy Jr., who were the pride of their grandfather and with whom they spent many delightful hours. These and his wife are the only near surviving relatives, except two brothers, Asa H. of Kansas City and Elmer F. of Chicago. When he was 17 years old his
mother died. Further sorrow came to the family by the loss of his three sisters all within two months, the oldest one being 19 and the others younger. His father died about the year 1900.
His last illness had continued from about eight weeks ago. He had been seriously ill for the past two and a half weeks. Pneumonia developed following other complications.
The family was all present in the last hours including the two brothers. He retained
consciousness until near the end. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and the Elks lodge. In the absence of his pastor, the funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Frank A. Wilder of the Methodist church at the Johnson funeral home at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. The Elks service will be used also.