| Henry
Baker aged 79 years, 11 months and 26 days, a
veteran of the Civil War and a member of the
G.A.R. post of this city, died at the family home
at 329 Plum street Saturday afternoon, after an
illness which has continued for some months, the
gentleman being quite feeble for a number of
years. He was well known in the city, having been
a resident of the city for many years, and having
for many years been employed at the Bellshop, but
having retired for several years past. Mr. J. H.
Baker, son of Henry S. Baker and Susanne Baker,
was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., March 26th, 1838,
and departed this life at his residence, 329 Plum
street, Saturday morning at 2 o'clock, aged 79
years, 11 months and 26 days.
In
his infancy his parents moved to St. Louis where
they resided for a few years and after that
settled near Caseyville on a farm, and finally
taking up permanent residence in this city where
Mr. Baker grew to young manhood. Upon the
breaking out of the Civil War in 1861 he was very
anxious to enlist as a soldier of his country,
but he being the only support of his widowed
mother, he was permitted to remain with her; but
later on, at the more urgent call of the country,
he entered the service as a Union soldier on
December 12, 1864, and received an honorable
discharge at the close of the war on December 8,
1865. He then returned to Collinsville, where he
lived until death.
Mr.
Baker was converted and joined the Methodist
church a good many years ago. He served in the
capacity of an exhorter, class leader and Sunday
School superintendent. He loved and held his
church in high esteem, although for the past few
years he was unable to attend as he wished to.
During all of his sickness he was patient and
kind with loved ones, always glad to receive
company. He spoke frequently of his abiding faith
in God. He is survived by his only sister, Miss
Ophelia Baker, who at all times was his most
companionable sister. She is the only one left of
a larger family of nine children. He is survived
by other near relatives.
The
funeral was held Monday from the M. E. church,
the members of the G.A.R. and the Sons of
Veterans taking part in the last rites, and the
interment was at Glenwood cemetery
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