Baker, John Thurlow 1834 - 1909

BAKER, RELF, HUNTER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/8/2023 at 14:18:32

Source: Decorah Republican Dec. 9, 1909 P5 C2

Death of John T. Baker.
Word was received late last night that John T. Baker died Wednesday morning, at his home on Dayton avenue, St. Paul. The remains will be brought to Decorah for burial, arriving Friday. Funeral will be held from the train. Particulars of death not received.

Source: Decorah Republican Dec. 16, 1909 P5 C4

OBITUARY.
JOHN THURLOW BAKER.
John Thurlow Baker, whose death at his home in St. Paul on the 8th inst. Was briefly recorded in last week’s REPUBLICAN, was born on Nov. 26, 1834, at Noacoly, Bengal, India, and was the fourth son of Dr. John Baker, surgeon in the East India company’s service. The record from which we write does not state when the family returned to England, but in 1854 Mr. Baker embarked for Montreal, Canada, where he remained until 1855, when he went to St. Paul, Minn., residing there until 1858. During the intervening years, until a little over a year ago, he has made Decorah his home. Mr. Baker’s coming to America was not altogether of his own volition, but partialy because his mother objected to his enlistment in the English army, which probably meant service in India. However, the military spirit was an inheritance that would not be decried, and the cause of freedom appealed to him so strongly that he entered the Union army, enlisting on May 15th, 1861, in Co. K. (Capt. Robt. L. Freeman’s,) 1st Iowa Cavalry, and serving until Sept.9th, 1964. When he was mustered out. During his service he won promotion to sergeant, the promotion coming to him on April 1st, 1863. On June 20th, 1865, Mr. Baker was married to Victoria M. Relf, and he she with four children—Harry R., Nellie E., Clara V., and Flora E., (Mrs. Hunter),--survive him. He is also survived by one brother, H. T. Baker of Decorah, and two sisters who reside in England.
In his daily life Mr. Baker was the exemplary citizen, a devoted husband and father. He was one of the early and faithful members of Grace Episcopal church, and took an active interest in its welfare. He went his way in a quiet, unassuming manner that won sincere and loyal friends.
His remains were brought to Decorah Thursday afternoon, accompanied by the members of the family, and were placed in the receiving vault at Phelps cemetery until yesterday, when they were placed in their final resting place.

Transcriber's Note: His gravestone in Phelps Cemetery shows his date of death as Dec. 9, 1909.

Phelps Cemetery
 

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