Submitted by: John and Cindy McCachern
HENRY BAKER OBITUARY
MARSHALL HERALD
7-MARCH-1917
Henry Baker died Sunday at his home in this city, after a long illness. A short funeral service was held at his residence this morning and his body was taken to Auburn for burial.
Mr. Baker was born in Monroe County, Ohio, September 2, 1835, where in 1858, he was married to Miss Polly A. Pennell. In 1861, they came to Illinois and settled on a farm in Clark County where the exception of about 8 years, when they lived in Farmersburg, Indiana, they spent the remainder of their lives. About 25 years of this time, they lived on a farm near Auburn. Near the close of the civil war, Mr. Baker enlisted for service in Company C, 155th Illinois, and served to the close of the conflict. Then he returned to his farm. Three children were born: Mrs. Mary Morgan living north of Auburn, Sarah Jane Murphy who died in 1896 and Mrs. Clarissa Read whose home is in Arkansas. About 9 years ago, Mr. Baker moved to Marshall, and in May 1908, he suffered a stroke of paralysis. For a number of years, he had been able to get about and help himself, but during the past 2 or 3 years he failed gradually, and two weeks ago his condition became serious, which culminated in his death Sunday. He had attained the age of 81 years, 6 months and 2 days. He is the last of a family of 8 children. He leaves a widow, 23 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, besides some other relatives and friends. In 1896 he united with the Auburn Church and 9 years ago transferred his membership to Marshall Methodist Church, of which he was a member at the time of his death. He had the distinction of having helped to build a church in every community in which he lived, which fact was a joy to him in his declining years. He was a good friend, a devoted husband and father, always punctual in his business affairs and always tried to deal justly with all men.