Baker, Jennie 1875-1879

BAKER

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 2/3/2005 at 09:18:06

News from Sherman Township

It is again our painful work to report the ravages of diphtheria in this community. We last week mentioned the appearance of the destroyer of our little ones, but as we supposed and hoped in a mild form, in the family of Will Baker, on the Des Moines road.

The first child attacked got along nicely under medical treatment and we concluded we had only the mild form to contend with, but when four others were attacked, the disease developed in its most hideous form. On Thursday forenoon Ada, the oldest of the children, was numbered among its victims, aged 9 years, 2 months and 26 days. On Saturday morning little Jennie took leave of parents and friends and joined Adda on the other shore. Aged 3 years, 9 months, and 9 days.

The links of the chain that bind us here are attached to the anchor beyond.

At the present writing the disease has laid its two-fold fatal grasp on the oldest boy [David], who, ere this reaches you, will be numbered with the departed. Mr. Baker, Burt and Nelly are in a fair way to recover. Besides this family there has been diphtheria at A. J. Westbrook's and James Simms, but all doing well. ~ The Newton Journal April 24, 1879