Charles M. Baber 1832-1903

BARBER, WILSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/10/2008 at 17:30:31

Charles M. Baber was born in McMinn county, Tenn., April 2, 1832 and died at Bonaparte Iowa, May 11, 1903, aged 71 years, 1 month and 9 days.

Mr. Baker's parents died while he was yet a child of tender years. He came to Iowa in the early fifties and lived in Bonaparte until his death. He was one of two children, a sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, who resides in Muscatine, survives him.

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth L. Wilson, March 17, 1861, to whom were born four sons: Oliver, born March 1, 1855 now living in Bonaparte; Elmer E., born April 19, 1862; died September 4, 1862; twin boys born April 11, 1866 Willie C. now living in Montana, his twin dying in infancy.

He enlisted August 15, 1862, as corporal of Co. D, 30 Iowa Inf., serving during the war. He was discharged July 5, 1865 at Sickle U.S. general hospital.

His wife, Elizabeth L., died August 17, 1866 and he was united in marriage to Nancy Wilson, a sister of Elizabeth, January 5, 1867 who has faithfully ministered to him during his long sickness, and who survives. To [t]his union no children were born. His sickness has extended over a period of several years, his sufferings being something dreadful, yet he has borne his suffering very patiently; at times his pain was so acute as to rein cries of distress. His long night of sickness has been lighted by the loving ministrations of friends.

One of the elements of his patience was caused by his faith in a crucified Savior, and his hopes of vested in the promises of a living Christ, having turned his attention to the words of the Master several months back and professing faith and hope in the beyond. Several of the prominent members of the Presbyterian church assembled in his home March 3, 1903 at which time his pastor, Rev. Duty, administered the communion unto him, thus formally receiving him into full fellowship with the church, of which he was a member at the time of his deceased.

The writer was privileged to visit him and read to him Spurgeon's sermons, and a warm friendship was formed, resulting in the expressed wish of our deceased brother that the writer should deliver his funeral sermon. His death was peaceful, conscious to within an hour, and he died without a tremor or a struggle.

He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends.

Funeral services at the Presbyterian Church, May 13, had 2:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Duty and Ayrault. The G. A. our boys had charge of the service at the cemetery.

J. L. Ayrault
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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

Source: Entler Scrapbooks, Vol. 4, IA Historical Library, Iowa City, IA