Benjamin Franklin Baker 1866-1916

BAKER, PAXSON, WYKERT

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 4/25/2023 at 10:15:39

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, May 5, 1916
page 1

Columbus Junction was deeply shocked Friday morning when the dead body of Benjamin F. Baker was discovered at ten o'clock in the shallow water of Monkey Run midway between the Walnut street and West Hill bridges. The discovery was made by Mrs. Frank Paxson, who was gathering greens. An investigation was immediately started and it is supposed that he fell in the water in an epileptic fit while cutting a tree near the water's edge Tuesday afternoon, April 25th, this being the last that he was seen alive. The tree which he had cut down was lying partly across the stream and he was making a second cut when it is supposed be was attacked by the disease which had afflicted him for years. He fell head foremost, the greater part of his body remaining on the bank and only the head and shoulders falling into the shallow stream.

Coroner J. H. Collins, at Letts, was notified and the body was removed to the undertaking parlors of H. M. Gilkey, it was deemed an inquest was not necessary. Benjamin Franklin Baker was born Columbus Junction, April 27, 1866. He was a son of Benjamin Stephen and Nancy Agnes (Wykert) Baker, both of whom preceded him in death a number of years ago. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church conducted by Rev. E. C. Brooks. The church was crowded with friends and neighbors and a large number of the I. O. O. F., of which Mr. Baker was a member were present and conducted the service at the close of the sermon by Rev. Brooks. Interment was made in the Long Creek cemetery.