James Davidson Baker 1835-1894

BAKER

Posted By: LaDonna Pafford (email)
Date: 4/26/2003 at 19:27:49

Villisca Review - September 1894
Villisca, Montgomery County, Iowa

James Davidson Baker died at his home near this city September 1, 1894. He was born in Morgan County, Indiana, November 7, 1835. His parents came from Missouri in 1840 and from there they moved to Adams County and in July following to this county and improvd the farm southeast of Villisca, now occupied by Polk Stennett. Mr. Baker enlisted in Company H, 4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, July 25, 1861. He was wounded in the left leg November 24, 1863, at Lookout Mountain, and this limb was amputated. Captain Ankeny of Corning commanded Company H and both he and Honorable F. M. Davis were present at the funeral of their old comrade and spoke in glowing terms of his faithfulness as a soldier and his many good qualities as a citizen. He was mustered out in 1864 after having served his three years enlistment. He married Rachel Russell, January 22, 1854. To this union eleven children were born, and nine of them and their mother are now living. Mr. Baker was a good neighbor, a straight conscientious man who believed in living up to the gold rule every day of his life. He was always generous and sympathetic and held the affection of all who knew him. The funeral was in charge of G.A.R. Post, and a very large attendance showed the regards of the community for the deceased. Elder McCullough gave an address at the house. Over a hundred wagons and carriages were in the procession to the cemetery where on Sunday afternoon, the remains were laid away in their final resting place to await in dreamless sleep the resurrection morn.