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- Silas W. BAKER, eldest son of
Wm. and Ruth BAKER, was born in Andover,
- N.Y., March 25, 1837. When about seven
years of age, with his father's family, he came to Milton township
which has since been his abode except an absence of two and one-half
years when he resided near Mitchell, S.D. With this exception
he haslived in Milton Junction over thirty years. Almost his
entire life has been spent in agricultural pursuits and assisting
his friends and neighbors in physical work. In his youth he had
the privilege and discipline of several terms of study in Albion
Academy. In 1861 he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, joining
Co. B of the 13th Wisconsin Infantry. He remained in this service
about four and one-half years, or until the close of the war.
- On September 18, 1867, he was united
in marriage to Miss Denisa HUFFMAN of
- Milton who died some two and one-half
years after their marriage. On Oct. 5, 1870, he united in marriage
with Charity H. HUFFMAN, sister of his former wife. In
character he was social and hospitable, strictly honest, always
ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, as his many friends
and neighbors have testified. He spurned the thought of trickery
or deception in either public or private life. He held that the
life, more than the lips, is the true index of a man's character.
Indeed he conscientiously and scrupulously avoided publicity
or demonstration in his religious life. He was a firm believer
however in the Bible and secret prayer.
- When but a boy of fourteen summers
he professed faith in Christ and was one of forty
- who were baptized by Elders Varnum
HULL, Stillman COON and Daniel BABCOCK.
He first joined the Milton S.D.B. church, but at the organization
of the Rock River church, April 12, 1856, he became one of its
constituent members, only two of whom now remain - Marshall COON
of this place and Paul M. GREEN of Milton. He was also
a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and the G.A.R. organization.
- Nearly four months ago he was afflicted
with neuralgia of the heart which terminated
- in paralysis. Since this attack he
has been nearly helpless. Relatives, friends and physicians have
done their utmost to bring relief, but with little avail exceptof
a temporary character. He gradually grew weaker till on Seventh-day
morning, May 11, '07, at 5:00 o'clock his spirit passed to the
father above. Besides the faithful and lonely widow, he leaves
to mourn his departure, two brothers - Nathaniel and Darius,
and one sister, Mrs. Henrietta BELL, allof Idaho.
- Funeral services were held at the Milton
Junction S.D.B.church Sunday afternoon,
- May 12, conducted by the pastor,assisted
by Rev. O. S. Mills. The unusually large congregation indicated
the esteem in which this brother was held by his friends and
neighbors. The music was furnished by the Milton College Male
Quartet and was of high character. The texts used were Job 33:14;
and Mark 13:33. Interment was made in the Milton Junction cemetery
under the direction of the Odd Fellows Lodge of which Mr. BAKER
was a worthy member. G. W. L. [Thursday edition, p. 1]
-
- Courtesy of Jon Saunders
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