Jacob W. Baker (1835-1920)

BAKER, COMSTOCK, GILLEY, OHLENDORF, REYNOLDS

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:02

The Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, May 20, 1920
May 20, Column 3

Jacob W. Baker was born of German parentage in the Rhine' province of Germany, November 1, 1835. His parents' names were John and Opolona Baker. In 1842 his father crossed the ocean and settled in Illinois, having his family with him.

Mr. Baker was married to Miss Virtue Reynolds, October 12, 1858. Mrs. Baker is a native of Franklin county, Vermont. Of this union five children were born, all of whom are living.

For a while after marriage, Mr. Baker lived on a rented farm in Illinois. In 1867, with his family, he moved to Blackhawk county, Iowa, and settled near Raymond on a farm which he had bought. Here the family lived until 1894, when they came to Wright county and located on a farm which Mr. Baker had bought in Dayton township. He made his home in this county from then till his death, which occurred at his home in Eagle Grove, May 10, 1920. He had attained to the ripe old age of 84 years, 6 months and 9 days. Mr. Baker was one of a family of three sons and four daughters. He outlived all of his brothers and sisters.

Mr. Baker heard one of the Douglas-Lincoln debates at Freeport, Ill., and cast his first vote as an American citizen for Lincoln in the fall of 1858. As a member of the Washington Light Infantry, he escorted Douglas to the hall where the debate was held.

In 1876 Mr. Baker and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church and for several years he served as trustee in the church. His faith and hope In Christ were firm and sure.

Those who remain to mourn his departure are his faithful and aged wife; two daughters: Mrs. Sadie Gilley of Waterloo, Iowa, and Mrs. R. C. Comstock of Eagle Grove; and three sons: George of Waterloo, Iowa, Edson and Heber of Eagle Grove, and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Wednesday afternoon, the pastor, Chas. H. Seward, having them in charge and preaching the sermon.

Interment at Eagle Grove in Rosehill cemetery.

Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. Geo. F. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Gilley and son, Herbert, all of Waterloo, Iowa, and a niece. Mrs. J. Ohlendorf, of Freeport, Ill.

Poem

November 1, 1835 – May 10, 1920