William Baker, 1840-1925

BAKER, THOMPSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 6/22/2009 at 07:28:46

WELL KNOWN MEN PASS THIS WEEK AFTER ILLNESS

"Billie" Baker, and Harry Hollenbeck Die — Both Long Time Residents

One of the familiar figures about Estherville is gone with the passing of William Baker or "Billie" Baker, as he was always called by his friends. For years, the people of this city have quoted his weather prophecies and so keen do these “old timers" become on this subject that he was often right in his forecasting.

Mr. Baker came to Estherville more than thirty years ago and was engaged in the restaurant business in the building now occupied by the Estherville Democrat office. Since 1912 he has conducted a store and rooming house on East Lincoln street near the M. & St. L. depot.

The deceased was born on a farm near Evansville, Ohio, on June 24, 1840 and died at his home here on Thursday morning, May 7th. He was nearly eighty-five years at the time of his passing. He was the son of Jacob and Helena Baker whose only other child, a daughter, died some years ago. His father died when William was but twelve years of age. His early education was received at the district schools. Upon the outbreak of the civil war, he was engaged as teamster in the Commissary department for several years. Afterwards he enlisted as private in the 5th Independ. Battery Ohio Light Artillery, and was mustered out July 31, 1865. In the meanwhile his family had moved to Wyandotte, Kansas, now Kansas City, and he made his way thence, continuing to make his home with them for some years. He labored on the first bridge that was built over the Missouri river at Kansas City. During this period he was married but was soon left a widower. He then moved with his mother's family to Maquoketa, Iowa, where he resided for some years. He was married on August 6, 1879 to Miss Addie M. Thompson. After this he lived at Peterson for three years, moving from Peterson to this town.

He is survived by his wife having no other family. For many years he had been an invalid and for five years quite helpless. His wife has been his devoted companion and comforter during all these years of suffering.

Early in life he was baptized in the German Lutheran church of which his parents were members. He had no affiliation with any order or brotherhood.

Funeral services were held Sunday from the Methodist Episcopal church with Rev. R. T. Chipperfield in charge. Interment was made in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; May 13, 1925.