Thomas Baker

BAKER, ATTWOOD, ANZOE, CALVERT, BRADLEY

Posted By: Keith E. Nelson (email)
Date: 6/14/2005 at 18:31:21

PIONEER RESIDENT DEAD

Deacon Thomas Baker of West Ninth Street Passes Away at Four O’clock This Morning – Pioneer Butcher of Mason City – Born in England

After a severe and painful illness of six weeks, Deacon Baker, a pioneer resident and one of the earliest butchers of Mason City, died at his home at 321 West Ninth Street at 4 o’clock this morning. The passing of Thomas Baker closes a long and useful life. His later years had been full of Christian contentment and abiding faith of one who has served his Master well and did his work. His life has been full of ceaseless activity, sterling worth and had developed a sturdy and well-balanced character. He did not move in what some term higher walks of life but where he was he performed his tasks well and has laid down his work with a confidence of a reward that comes to the life that keeps in touch with the higher things though compelled at all times to toil. He was a man of firm convictions and so sure was he that he had arrived at right conclusions that it was not easy to change him but when he did see differently no one was more ready to take a new reckoning. His church home has been that of the Baptist denomination, and last winter was chosen one of its deacons. He has been faithful, helpful, cheerful and true in his church work and no one will feel more keenly the passing of a life than will his fellow members who have been so long associated with him.

Thomas Baker was born in England 78 years ago. When a boy three years of age he came to America with his father’s family and on growing to manhood learned the cooper’s trade and for years worked at Hoboken, Jersey City and other coast cities along the eastern shore of the country. Leaving that occupation he engaged in the butcher business in New York City and was there when he married Miss Emily J. Bradley. About the year 1860 with his small family he moved to Kilbourn City, Wis., where he engaged in the butcher business and where he lived till about the year 1870 when he came to Mason City. After a residence here of a year, he returned to Wisconsin and moved his family here. He formed a partnership with Mr. Bradley and ran a meat market under the firm of Bradley & Baker. After the death of the senior member of the firm he was succeeded by a son, M. M. Bradley. Their place of business is now occupied by the State market. Since coming to Mason City Mr. Baker united with the Baptist church. A few years ago his wife died. Their eight children still survive and are Thomas Baker Jr., and Mrs. Fannie Attwooll (Attwood?), Mason City, George Baker of Eagle Grove, John Baker, Mason City, Mrs. Zelia Anzoe, Chicago, Mrs. Hattie Calvert, Rock Falls and Miss Ida Baker, Mason City. The funeral will be held Friday.

Mason City Globe Gazette (?) - April 3, 1907