Note: this memorial updated July 14, 2017 with parent and spouse relationship links per edit request(s).
Further updated, separately, on July 15, 2017 with obituary transcriptions from microfilmed records at the Fairfield Public Library. Some of the honorary pallbearers listed are provided links to their F/A/G memorials.
The birth location is somewhat uncertain - the death record listed the location as "Balesville, Pa.", while the Fairfield Ledger obituary published on March 13, 1931 listed the location as "Bealsville, Pennsylvania". Neither location are found in the listing of locations in the FindAGrave location index, but they, under either spelling, may have been small towns or areas that are not included in the index, but do exist in reality. Any information/clarification would be appreciated.
This memorial also updated with the name prefix "Dr." in deference to how his obituary information referenced him.
rkt/July 15, 2017
----------------
Husband of Mary Jeanette Bradbury Baker (she died May 2, 1970 at Springfield, Oregon). Married in 1903 at Lincoln, Kansas.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Thursday March 12, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 1
(Note: a photo of Dr. Baker was included at the beginning of the published obituary, but the image not clear enough nor within the rights of this contributor to use on this memorial)
Dr. R. E. BAKER DIED SUDDENLY AT HOME HERE
Head of Parsons College English Department Two Years.
Dr. Raymond E. Baker, head of the English department at Parsons college for two years, died this morning at 10 oclock at the family home, 503 North Fourth street, after an illness of a week. His condition was not considered serious until yesterday, when pneumonia developed.
Dr. Baker was born in Bealsville (sic), Pennsylvania in 1876, but was taken west at an early age when his family sought its fortune near Lincoln, Kansas. His father was elected to congress for three terms, and the family lived in the nation's capitol for 6 years,going there when he was 16 years of age.
Dr. Baker attended Christian college, being graduated from that institution with the degree of bachelor of arts in 1912. He entered the profession of teaching and variously was principal of the high school at Dadesville, Mo., at Hillsdale, Ore., and Aberdeen, Wash. He advanced to the superintendency of schools at Myrtle Point, Ore., and then was elected county superintendent in Coos county, where he did notable work in developing the school system, especially consolidations. This led to the superintendency at Coquille, Ore., and to a similar position at Brownsville, the same state.
His next step in progress was the professorship of education and psychology in Albany College, Ore., where he was associated with Dr. Clarence W. Greene. Wile in this position he seized an opportunity to continue his higher education and took graduate work at the University of Oregon, obtaining his pastor's degree, and then continuing to his doctorate.
He took up his residence in Fairfield IN September 1929.
Dr. Baker's was a genial spirit; his learning pleasantly imparted; his association with the students sympathetic. He was inspired with a love for the classics of English literature, and his lore was deep and substantial. He was a source of ready reference on literary subjects for all connected with the college, and never was too much occupied to be available in such matters.
He has written much on professional and literary topics, being a poet of no mean ability. One of his most pretentious (sic. prestigious ??) works was a book on "The Educational Theory and Practice of William Tory Harris", late United States commissioner of education.
Dr. Baker was married in 1903 to Mary Jeanette Bradbury at Lincoln, Kansas, and moved immediately to his position at Portland, Ore. He is survived by his wife, and the following children, all of whom are living at the family home in Fairfield: Ellen, Jean, William, Henry, Raymond and Edgar.
Brothers and sisters surviving are: Edgar Baker of Lincoln, Kans., Oscar Baker of Salem, Ore., Mrs. Lena Marsh of Seattle, Wash.m Mrs. E. B. Porter, Albany, Ore., Mrs. Horace Anderson of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Mrs. Meta Watson of Osborne, Kans., and Mrs. A. W. Woody, Lincoln, Kans.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon in Barhydt chapel on the Parsons college campus in charge of Dr. Gilbert Voorhies.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Saturday March 14, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 6
BAKER RITES TO BE SUNDAY
Services in Barhydt Chapel at 3; Dr. Vooorhies in Charge
The funeral services for Dr. Raymond E. Baker, who died Thursday morning at his home on North Fourth street, will be held at Barhydt chapel on Parsons college campus, tomorrow afternoon at 3 oclock. The body will lie in state in the chapel from 2:15 until 3.
Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies will have charge of the service, he will be assisted by Dr. Clarence W. Greene, president of Parsons college and Rev. William Roberts, Field secretary for the college.
Burial will be made in Evergreen cemetery.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Monday March 16, 1931
Pg. 1 and Pg. 8
FUNERAL FOR DR. R. E. BAKER WAS SUNDAY
Services at Barhydt Chapel for Well Known English Professor
Sunday afternoon at three o'clock a large number of friends, admirers, and associates gathered in Barhydt chapel to pay their last respects to Dr. Raymond E. Baker, at whose genial life they had all marveled. The platform of the chapel was banked heavy with flowers.
As the services started Dr. Harold T. Smith sand "Lily of the Valley," and was followed by Rev. William Roberts who read several selections of scripture including Jesus words to Mary and Martha when their brother had departed. The prayer was offered by Rev. James. I. Dool.
The President of Parsons college, Dr. Clarence W. Greene, with whom Dr. Baker had been associated with for more than eight years in school administration work, and who deeply felt the loss of his companion, read an expression of the faculty in the form of a resolution. The resolution is as follows:
TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMOND E. BAKER
The faculty of Parsons college, deeply sensitive to its loss in the death of Dr. Raymond E. Baker, pauses in its grief to express its appreciation of the life of the man who was so lately with us, alive and vigorous in mind and body. It is in this moment of sudden loss that we come to realized the greatness of his character, how deeply we shall miss him; what a force he was upon the campus and in the city.
Standing out above all, shining clearly now in memory, was his deep sincere interest in his work in the church, and in his contacts in the community, and also in his kind and understanding fatherhood.
He was a man of genial, lovable character, whom one liked to meet. From even a casual contact, one gained something of inspiration and value. His radiant optimism, his calmness and serenity heartened one to face life and to meet cherfully (sic) the tasks of each day.
Parsons college has lost a great teacher, who brought to his work a breadth and depth of scholarship and culture which was the result of a lifetime of serious study and continuous growth. Imbued with high scholastic ideals for himself,he inspired these in others, both colleagues and students.
Ralizing (sic) only in part our own loss we cannot even appraise what his passing is to his family, so closely associated with him throughout the years. We extend to these dear ones a sympathy freighted with sincerity and carrying with it our deepest love and respect.
Greene's Remarks
Following the reading of the Faculty's expression of its appreciation of the life and work of its late associate, Dr. Greene told of his high regard for Dr. Baker in the following words.
"Because of my intimate relation to Dr. Baker for the past eight years, I would add a few words of appreciation to what has been so well expressed in what I have just read. Dr. Baker was a superior teacher, a sincere friend and a loving husband and father. He was a great teacher because he drank deeply of the fountain of knowledge in the realms of Literature, Philosophy, Psychology and Education,the fields in which he gave collegiate instruction. He was a great teacher because he had an abiding faith in God, a strong faith in and a deep sympathetic interest for youth. He was a great teacher because of his sincerity and his frankness; he was a lover of truth. He was a great teacher because he had large capacity for friendship and for gracious service. His is the character of spirit that challenges life to the development of the noblest and the best."
Dr. Voorhies Speaks
A very fitting and impressive introduction for the next part of the service was a special arrangement of "The Lord is My Shepard," or the 23 Psalm, which was sung by Martha Wise, Margaret Lesher, and Gertrude Schmidt, all students of Parsons college. After the song Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, with Dr. Baker's own Bible opened before him to the 23 Psalm, read and commented on the notes found in the margins of the book. The remark which was written beside Dr. Baker's favorite Psalm, the 23, was, "This Psalm was written as a result of an experience." Another expression was, "to find the best path we must follow Him even when we cannot see,"and beside the last verse of the Psalm which is, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever," he had written," Death is not a state but a passage." Dr. Voorhies also read several poems which were written by Dr. Baker.
The service was closed with the singing of "Crossing the Bar," by Dr. Smith. Prof. Carl G. Melander, Director of the Conservatory was to have had the solos, but he was called home due to the serious illness of his father. Dr. Smith very graciously consented to sing the numbers. Mrs. Vincent P. Keesev was at the organ through out the service.
The pall bearers were: W. S. Follen, Paul McLean, J. Wilbur Dole, Fred D. Mason, Charles Wade, and Leo De Kalb. The honorary pall bearers were: Dr. G. R. Johnson, Hugh R. Brower, Raymond Bradley, Prof. B. D. Roberts, Dr. R. M. McKenzie, Dr. Fred J. Hinkhouse (see: Fred Junkin Hinkhouse), Lawson F. Marcy, Carl Welty (see: Joel Carl Welty), Dr. E. H. Collins, and Prof. Sigurd Jorgenson (see: Sigurd Jorgenson). Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
Further updated, separately, on July 15, 2017 with obituary transcriptions from microfilmed records at the Fairfield Public Library. Some of the honorary pallbearers listed are provided links to their F/A/G memorials.
The birth location is somewhat uncertain - the death record listed the location as "Balesville, Pa.", while the Fairfield Ledger obituary published on March 13, 1931 listed the location as "Bealsville, Pennsylvania". Neither location are found in the listing of locations in the FindAGrave location index, but they, under either spelling, may have been small towns or areas that are not included in the index, but do exist in reality. Any information/clarification would be appreciated.
This memorial also updated with the name prefix "Dr." in deference to how his obituary information referenced him.
rkt/July 15, 2017
----------------
Husband of Mary Jeanette Bradbury Baker (she died May 2, 1970 at Springfield, Oregon). Married in 1903 at Lincoln, Kansas.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Thursday March 12, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 1
(Note: a photo of Dr. Baker was included at the beginning of the published obituary, but the image not clear enough nor within the rights of this contributor to use on this memorial)
Dr. R. E. BAKER DIED SUDDENLY AT HOME HERE
Head of Parsons College English Department Two Years.
Dr. Raymond E. Baker, head of the English department at Parsons college for two years, died this morning at 10 oclock at the family home, 503 North Fourth street, after an illness of a week. His condition was not considered serious until yesterday, when pneumonia developed.
Dr. Baker was born in Bealsville (sic), Pennsylvania in 1876, but was taken west at an early age when his family sought its fortune near Lincoln, Kansas. His father was elected to congress for three terms, and the family lived in the nation's capitol for 6 years,going there when he was 16 years of age.
Dr. Baker attended Christian college, being graduated from that institution with the degree of bachelor of arts in 1912. He entered the profession of teaching and variously was principal of the high school at Dadesville, Mo., at Hillsdale, Ore., and Aberdeen, Wash. He advanced to the superintendency of schools at Myrtle Point, Ore., and then was elected county superintendent in Coos county, where he did notable work in developing the school system, especially consolidations. This led to the superintendency at Coquille, Ore., and to a similar position at Brownsville, the same state.
His next step in progress was the professorship of education and psychology in Albany College, Ore., where he was associated with Dr. Clarence W. Greene. Wile in this position he seized an opportunity to continue his higher education and took graduate work at the University of Oregon, obtaining his pastor's degree, and then continuing to his doctorate.
He took up his residence in Fairfield IN September 1929.
Dr. Baker's was a genial spirit; his learning pleasantly imparted; his association with the students sympathetic. He was inspired with a love for the classics of English literature, and his lore was deep and substantial. He was a source of ready reference on literary subjects for all connected with the college, and never was too much occupied to be available in such matters.
He has written much on professional and literary topics, being a poet of no mean ability. One of his most pretentious (sic. prestigious ??) works was a book on "The Educational Theory and Practice of William Tory Harris", late United States commissioner of education.
Dr. Baker was married in 1903 to Mary Jeanette Bradbury at Lincoln, Kansas, and moved immediately to his position at Portland, Ore. He is survived by his wife, and the following children, all of whom are living at the family home in Fairfield: Ellen, Jean, William, Henry, Raymond and Edgar.
Brothers and sisters surviving are: Edgar Baker of Lincoln, Kans., Oscar Baker of Salem, Ore., Mrs. Lena Marsh of Seattle, Wash.m Mrs. E. B. Porter, Albany, Ore., Mrs. Horace Anderson of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Mrs. Meta Watson of Osborne, Kans., and Mrs. A. W. Woody, Lincoln, Kans.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon in Barhydt chapel on the Parsons college campus in charge of Dr. Gilbert Voorhies.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Saturday March 14, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 6
BAKER RITES TO BE SUNDAY
Services in Barhydt Chapel at 3; Dr. Vooorhies in Charge
The funeral services for Dr. Raymond E. Baker, who died Thursday morning at his home on North Fourth street, will be held at Barhydt chapel on Parsons college campus, tomorrow afternoon at 3 oclock. The body will lie in state in the chapel from 2:15 until 3.
Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies will have charge of the service, he will be assisted by Dr. Clarence W. Greene, president of Parsons college and Rev. William Roberts, Field secretary for the college.
Burial will be made in Evergreen cemetery.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Monday March 16, 1931
Pg. 1 and Pg. 8
FUNERAL FOR DR. R. E. BAKER WAS SUNDAY
Services at Barhydt Chapel for Well Known English Professor
Sunday afternoon at three o'clock a large number of friends, admirers, and associates gathered in Barhydt chapel to pay their last respects to Dr. Raymond E. Baker, at whose genial life they had all marveled. The platform of the chapel was banked heavy with flowers.
As the services started Dr. Harold T. Smith sand "Lily of the Valley," and was followed by Rev. William Roberts who read several selections of scripture including Jesus words to Mary and Martha when their brother had departed. The prayer was offered by Rev. James. I. Dool.
The President of Parsons college, Dr. Clarence W. Greene, with whom Dr. Baker had been associated with for more than eight years in school administration work, and who deeply felt the loss of his companion, read an expression of the faculty in the form of a resolution. The resolution is as follows:
TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMOND E. BAKER
The faculty of Parsons college, deeply sensitive to its loss in the death of Dr. Raymond E. Baker, pauses in its grief to express its appreciation of the life of the man who was so lately with us, alive and vigorous in mind and body. It is in this moment of sudden loss that we come to realized the greatness of his character, how deeply we shall miss him; what a force he was upon the campus and in the city.
Standing out above all, shining clearly now in memory, was his deep sincere interest in his work in the church, and in his contacts in the community, and also in his kind and understanding fatherhood.
He was a man of genial, lovable character, whom one liked to meet. From even a casual contact, one gained something of inspiration and value. His radiant optimism, his calmness and serenity heartened one to face life and to meet cherfully (sic) the tasks of each day.
Parsons college has lost a great teacher, who brought to his work a breadth and depth of scholarship and culture which was the result of a lifetime of serious study and continuous growth. Imbued with high scholastic ideals for himself,he inspired these in others, both colleagues and students.
Ralizing (sic) only in part our own loss we cannot even appraise what his passing is to his family, so closely associated with him throughout the years. We extend to these dear ones a sympathy freighted with sincerity and carrying with it our deepest love and respect.
Greene's Remarks
Following the reading of the Faculty's expression of its appreciation of the life and work of its late associate, Dr. Greene told of his high regard for Dr. Baker in the following words.
"Because of my intimate relation to Dr. Baker for the past eight years, I would add a few words of appreciation to what has been so well expressed in what I have just read. Dr. Baker was a superior teacher, a sincere friend and a loving husband and father. He was a great teacher because he drank deeply of the fountain of knowledge in the realms of Literature, Philosophy, Psychology and Education,the fields in which he gave collegiate instruction. He was a great teacher because he had an abiding faith in God, a strong faith in and a deep sympathetic interest for youth. He was a great teacher because of his sincerity and his frankness; he was a lover of truth. He was a great teacher because he had large capacity for friendship and for gracious service. His is the character of spirit that challenges life to the development of the noblest and the best."
Dr. Voorhies Speaks
A very fitting and impressive introduction for the next part of the service was a special arrangement of "The Lord is My Shepard," or the 23 Psalm, which was sung by Martha Wise, Margaret Lesher, and Gertrude Schmidt, all students of Parsons college. After the song Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, with Dr. Baker's own Bible opened before him to the 23 Psalm, read and commented on the notes found in the margins of the book. The remark which was written beside Dr. Baker's favorite Psalm, the 23, was, "This Psalm was written as a result of an experience." Another expression was, "to find the best path we must follow Him even when we cannot see,"and beside the last verse of the Psalm which is, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever," he had written," Death is not a state but a passage." Dr. Voorhies also read several poems which were written by Dr. Baker.
The service was closed with the singing of "Crossing the Bar," by Dr. Smith. Prof. Carl G. Melander, Director of the Conservatory was to have had the solos, but he was called home due to the serious illness of his father. Dr. Smith very graciously consented to sing the numbers. Mrs. Vincent P. Keesev was at the organ through out the service.
The pall bearers were: W. S. Follen, Paul McLean, J. Wilbur Dole, Fred D. Mason, Charles Wade, and Leo De Kalb. The honorary pall bearers were: Dr. G. R. Johnson, Hugh R. Brower, Raymond Bradley, Prof. B. D. Roberts, Dr. R. M. McKenzie, Dr. Fred J. Hinkhouse (see: Fred Junkin Hinkhouse), Lawson F. Marcy, Carl Welty (see: Joel Carl Welty), Dr. E. H. Collins, and Prof. Sigurd Jorgenson (see: Sigurd Jorgenson). Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
Note: this memorial updated July 14, 2017 with parent and spouse relationship links per edit request(s).
Further updated, separately, on July 15, 2017 with obituary transcriptions from microfilmed records at the Fairfield Public Library. Some of the honorary pallbearers listed are provided links to their F/A/G memorials.
The birth location is somewhat uncertain - the death record listed the location as "Balesville, Pa.", while the Fairfield Ledger obituary published on March 13, 1931 listed the location as "Bealsville, Pennsylvania". Neither location are found in the listing of locations in the FindAGrave location index, but they, under either spelling, may have been small towns or areas that are not included in the index, but do exist in reality. Any information/clarification would be appreciated.
This memorial also updated with the name prefix "Dr." in deference to how his obituary information referenced him.
rkt/July 15, 2017
----------------
Husband of Mary Jeanette Bradbury Baker (she died May 2, 1970 at Springfield, Oregon). Married in 1903 at Lincoln, Kansas.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Thursday March 12, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 1
(Note: a photo of Dr. Baker was included at the beginning of the published obituary, but the image not clear enough nor within the rights of this contributor to use on this memorial)
Dr. R. E. BAKER DIED SUDDENLY AT HOME HERE
Head of Parsons College English Department Two Years.
Dr. Raymond E. Baker, head of the English department at Parsons college for two years, died this morning at 10 oclock at the family home, 503 North Fourth street, after an illness of a week. His condition was not considered serious until yesterday, when pneumonia developed.
Dr. Baker was born in Bealsville (sic), Pennsylvania in 1876, but was taken west at an early age when his family sought its fortune near Lincoln, Kansas. His father was elected to congress for three terms, and the family lived in the nation's capitol for 6 years,going there when he was 16 years of age.
Dr. Baker attended Christian college, being graduated from that institution with the degree of bachelor of arts in 1912. He entered the profession of teaching and variously was principal of the high school at Dadesville, Mo., at Hillsdale, Ore., and Aberdeen, Wash. He advanced to the superintendency of schools at Myrtle Point, Ore., and then was elected county superintendent in Coos county, where he did notable work in developing the school system, especially consolidations. This led to the superintendency at Coquille, Ore., and to a similar position at Brownsville, the same state.
His next step in progress was the professorship of education and psychology in Albany College, Ore., where he was associated with Dr. Clarence W. Greene. Wile in this position he seized an opportunity to continue his higher education and took graduate work at the University of Oregon, obtaining his pastor's degree, and then continuing to his doctorate.
He took up his residence in Fairfield IN September 1929.
Dr. Baker's was a genial spirit; his learning pleasantly imparted; his association with the students sympathetic. He was inspired with a love for the classics of English literature, and his lore was deep and substantial. He was a source of ready reference on literary subjects for all connected with the college, and never was too much occupied to be available in such matters.
He has written much on professional and literary topics, being a poet of no mean ability. One of his most pretentious (sic. prestigious ??) works was a book on "The Educational Theory and Practice of William Tory Harris", late United States commissioner of education.
Dr. Baker was married in 1903 to Mary Jeanette Bradbury at Lincoln, Kansas, and moved immediately to his position at Portland, Ore. He is survived by his wife, and the following children, all of whom are living at the family home in Fairfield: Ellen, Jean, William, Henry, Raymond and Edgar.
Brothers and sisters surviving are: Edgar Baker of Lincoln, Kans., Oscar Baker of Salem, Ore., Mrs. Lena Marsh of Seattle, Wash.m Mrs. E. B. Porter, Albany, Ore., Mrs. Horace Anderson of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Mrs. Meta Watson of Osborne, Kans., and Mrs. A. W. Woody, Lincoln, Kans.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon in Barhydt chapel on the Parsons college campus in charge of Dr. Gilbert Voorhies.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Saturday March 14, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 6
BAKER RITES TO BE SUNDAY
Services in Barhydt Chapel at 3; Dr. Vooorhies in Charge
The funeral services for Dr. Raymond E. Baker, who died Thursday morning at his home on North Fourth street, will be held at Barhydt chapel on Parsons college campus, tomorrow afternoon at 3 oclock. The body will lie in state in the chapel from 2:15 until 3.
Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies will have charge of the service, he will be assisted by Dr. Clarence W. Greene, president of Parsons college and Rev. William Roberts, Field secretary for the college.
Burial will be made in Evergreen cemetery.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Monday March 16, 1931
Pg. 1 and Pg. 8
FUNERAL FOR DR. R. E. BAKER WAS SUNDAY
Services at Barhydt Chapel for Well Known English Professor
Sunday afternoon at three o'clock a large number of friends, admirers, and associates gathered in Barhydt chapel to pay their last respects to Dr. Raymond E. Baker, at whose genial life they had all marveled. The platform of the chapel was banked heavy with flowers.
As the services started Dr. Harold T. Smith sand "Lily of the Valley," and was followed by Rev. William Roberts who read several selections of scripture including Jesus words to Mary and Martha when their brother had departed. The prayer was offered by Rev. James. I. Dool.
The President of Parsons college, Dr. Clarence W. Greene, with whom Dr. Baker had been associated with for more than eight years in school administration work, and who deeply felt the loss of his companion, read an expression of the faculty in the form of a resolution. The resolution is as follows:
TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMOND E. BAKER
The faculty of Parsons college, deeply sensitive to its loss in the death of Dr. Raymond E. Baker, pauses in its grief to express its appreciation of the life of the man who was so lately with us, alive and vigorous in mind and body. It is in this moment of sudden loss that we come to realized the greatness of his character, how deeply we shall miss him; what a force he was upon the campus and in the city.
Standing out above all, shining clearly now in memory, was his deep sincere interest in his work in the church, and in his contacts in the community, and also in his kind and understanding fatherhood.
He was a man of genial, lovable character, whom one liked to meet. From even a casual contact, one gained something of inspiration and value. His radiant optimism, his calmness and serenity heartened one to face life and to meet cherfully (sic) the tasks of each day.
Parsons college has lost a great teacher, who brought to his work a breadth and depth of scholarship and culture which was the result of a lifetime of serious study and continuous growth. Imbued with high scholastic ideals for himself,he inspired these in others, both colleagues and students.
Ralizing (sic) only in part our own loss we cannot even appraise what his passing is to his family, so closely associated with him throughout the years. We extend to these dear ones a sympathy freighted with sincerity and carrying with it our deepest love and respect.
Greene's Remarks
Following the reading of the Faculty's expression of its appreciation of the life and work of its late associate, Dr. Greene told of his high regard for Dr. Baker in the following words.
"Because of my intimate relation to Dr. Baker for the past eight years, I would add a few words of appreciation to what has been so well expressed in what I have just read. Dr. Baker was a superior teacher, a sincere friend and a loving husband and father. He was a great teacher because he drank deeply of the fountain of knowledge in the realms of Literature, Philosophy, Psychology and Education,the fields in which he gave collegiate instruction. He was a great teacher because he had an abiding faith in God, a strong faith in and a deep sympathetic interest for youth. He was a great teacher because of his sincerity and his frankness; he was a lover of truth. He was a great teacher because he had large capacity for friendship and for gracious service. His is the character of spirit that challenges life to the development of the noblest and the best."
Dr. Voorhies Speaks
A very fitting and impressive introduction for the next part of the service was a special arrangement of "The Lord is My Shepard," or the 23 Psalm, which was sung by Martha Wise, Margaret Lesher, and Gertrude Schmidt, all students of Parsons college. After the song Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, with Dr. Baker's own Bible opened before him to the 23 Psalm, read and commented on the notes found in the margins of the book. The remark which was written beside Dr. Baker's favorite Psalm, the 23, was, "This Psalm was written as a result of an experience." Another expression was, "to find the best path we must follow Him even when we cannot see,"and beside the last verse of the Psalm which is, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever," he had written," Death is not a state but a passage." Dr. Voorhies also read several poems which were written by Dr. Baker.
The service was closed with the singing of "Crossing the Bar," by Dr. Smith. Prof. Carl G. Melander, Director of the Conservatory was to have had the solos, but he was called home due to the serious illness of his father. Dr. Smith very graciously consented to sing the numbers. Mrs. Vincent P. Keesev was at the organ through out the service.
The pall bearers were: W. S. Follen, Paul McLean, J. Wilbur Dole, Fred D. Mason, Charles Wade, and Leo De Kalb. The honorary pall bearers were: Dr. G. R. Johnson, Hugh R. Brower, Raymond Bradley, Prof. B. D. Roberts, Dr. R. M. McKenzie, Dr. Fred J. Hinkhouse (see: Fred Junkin Hinkhouse), Lawson F. Marcy, Carl Welty (see: Joel Carl Welty), Dr. E. H. Collins, and Prof. Sigurd Jorgenson (see: Sigurd Jorgenson). Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
Further updated, separately, on July 15, 2017 with obituary transcriptions from microfilmed records at the Fairfield Public Library. Some of the honorary pallbearers listed are provided links to their F/A/G memorials.
The birth location is somewhat uncertain - the death record listed the location as "Balesville, Pa.", while the Fairfield Ledger obituary published on March 13, 1931 listed the location as "Bealsville, Pennsylvania". Neither location are found in the listing of locations in the FindAGrave location index, but they, under either spelling, may have been small towns or areas that are not included in the index, but do exist in reality. Any information/clarification would be appreciated.
This memorial also updated with the name prefix "Dr." in deference to how his obituary information referenced him.
rkt/July 15, 2017
----------------
Husband of Mary Jeanette Bradbury Baker (she died May 2, 1970 at Springfield, Oregon). Married in 1903 at Lincoln, Kansas.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Thursday March 12, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 1
(Note: a photo of Dr. Baker was included at the beginning of the published obituary, but the image not clear enough nor within the rights of this contributor to use on this memorial)
Dr. R. E. BAKER DIED SUDDENLY AT HOME HERE
Head of Parsons College English Department Two Years.
Dr. Raymond E. Baker, head of the English department at Parsons college for two years, died this morning at 10 oclock at the family home, 503 North Fourth street, after an illness of a week. His condition was not considered serious until yesterday, when pneumonia developed.
Dr. Baker was born in Bealsville (sic), Pennsylvania in 1876, but was taken west at an early age when his family sought its fortune near Lincoln, Kansas. His father was elected to congress for three terms, and the family lived in the nation's capitol for 6 years,going there when he was 16 years of age.
Dr. Baker attended Christian college, being graduated from that institution with the degree of bachelor of arts in 1912. He entered the profession of teaching and variously was principal of the high school at Dadesville, Mo., at Hillsdale, Ore., and Aberdeen, Wash. He advanced to the superintendency of schools at Myrtle Point, Ore., and then was elected county superintendent in Coos county, where he did notable work in developing the school system, especially consolidations. This led to the superintendency at Coquille, Ore., and to a similar position at Brownsville, the same state.
His next step in progress was the professorship of education and psychology in Albany College, Ore., where he was associated with Dr. Clarence W. Greene. Wile in this position he seized an opportunity to continue his higher education and took graduate work at the University of Oregon, obtaining his pastor's degree, and then continuing to his doctorate.
He took up his residence in Fairfield IN September 1929.
Dr. Baker's was a genial spirit; his learning pleasantly imparted; his association with the students sympathetic. He was inspired with a love for the classics of English literature, and his lore was deep and substantial. He was a source of ready reference on literary subjects for all connected with the college, and never was too much occupied to be available in such matters.
He has written much on professional and literary topics, being a poet of no mean ability. One of his most pretentious (sic. prestigious ??) works was a book on "The Educational Theory and Practice of William Tory Harris", late United States commissioner of education.
Dr. Baker was married in 1903 to Mary Jeanette Bradbury at Lincoln, Kansas, and moved immediately to his position at Portland, Ore. He is survived by his wife, and the following children, all of whom are living at the family home in Fairfield: Ellen, Jean, William, Henry, Raymond and Edgar.
Brothers and sisters surviving are: Edgar Baker of Lincoln, Kans., Oscar Baker of Salem, Ore., Mrs. Lena Marsh of Seattle, Wash.m Mrs. E. B. Porter, Albany, Ore., Mrs. Horace Anderson of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Mrs. Meta Watson of Osborne, Kans., and Mrs. A. W. Woody, Lincoln, Kans.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon in Barhydt chapel on the Parsons college campus in charge of Dr. Gilbert Voorhies.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Saturday March 14, 1931
Pg. 1 Col. 6
BAKER RITES TO BE SUNDAY
Services in Barhydt Chapel at 3; Dr. Vooorhies in Charge
The funeral services for Dr. Raymond E. Baker, who died Thursday morning at his home on North Fourth street, will be held at Barhydt chapel on Parsons college campus, tomorrow afternoon at 3 oclock. The body will lie in state in the chapel from 2:15 until 3.
Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies will have charge of the service, he will be assisted by Dr. Clarence W. Greene, president of Parsons college and Rev. William Roberts, Field secretary for the college.
Burial will be made in Evergreen cemetery.
----------------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Monday March 16, 1931
Pg. 1 and Pg. 8
FUNERAL FOR DR. R. E. BAKER WAS SUNDAY
Services at Barhydt Chapel for Well Known English Professor
Sunday afternoon at three o'clock a large number of friends, admirers, and associates gathered in Barhydt chapel to pay their last respects to Dr. Raymond E. Baker, at whose genial life they had all marveled. The platform of the chapel was banked heavy with flowers.
As the services started Dr. Harold T. Smith sand "Lily of the Valley," and was followed by Rev. William Roberts who read several selections of scripture including Jesus words to Mary and Martha when their brother had departed. The prayer was offered by Rev. James. I. Dool.
The President of Parsons college, Dr. Clarence W. Greene, with whom Dr. Baker had been associated with for more than eight years in school administration work, and who deeply felt the loss of his companion, read an expression of the faculty in the form of a resolution. The resolution is as follows:
TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMOND E. BAKER
The faculty of Parsons college, deeply sensitive to its loss in the death of Dr. Raymond E. Baker, pauses in its grief to express its appreciation of the life of the man who was so lately with us, alive and vigorous in mind and body. It is in this moment of sudden loss that we come to realized the greatness of his character, how deeply we shall miss him; what a force he was upon the campus and in the city.
Standing out above all, shining clearly now in memory, was his deep sincere interest in his work in the church, and in his contacts in the community, and also in his kind and understanding fatherhood.
He was a man of genial, lovable character, whom one liked to meet. From even a casual contact, one gained something of inspiration and value. His radiant optimism, his calmness and serenity heartened one to face life and to meet cherfully (sic) the tasks of each day.
Parsons college has lost a great teacher, who brought to his work a breadth and depth of scholarship and culture which was the result of a lifetime of serious study and continuous growth. Imbued with high scholastic ideals for himself,he inspired these in others, both colleagues and students.
Ralizing (sic) only in part our own loss we cannot even appraise what his passing is to his family, so closely associated with him throughout the years. We extend to these dear ones a sympathy freighted with sincerity and carrying with it our deepest love and respect.
Greene's Remarks
Following the reading of the Faculty's expression of its appreciation of the life and work of its late associate, Dr. Greene told of his high regard for Dr. Baker in the following words.
"Because of my intimate relation to Dr. Baker for the past eight years, I would add a few words of appreciation to what has been so well expressed in what I have just read. Dr. Baker was a superior teacher, a sincere friend and a loving husband and father. He was a great teacher because he drank deeply of the fountain of knowledge in the realms of Literature, Philosophy, Psychology and Education,the fields in which he gave collegiate instruction. He was a great teacher because he had an abiding faith in God, a strong faith in and a deep sympathetic interest for youth. He was a great teacher because of his sincerity and his frankness; he was a lover of truth. He was a great teacher because he had large capacity for friendship and for gracious service. His is the character of spirit that challenges life to the development of the noblest and the best."
Dr. Voorhies Speaks
A very fitting and impressive introduction for the next part of the service was a special arrangement of "The Lord is My Shepard," or the 23 Psalm, which was sung by Martha Wise, Margaret Lesher, and Gertrude Schmidt, all students of Parsons college. After the song Dr. Gilbert R. Voorhies, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, with Dr. Baker's own Bible opened before him to the 23 Psalm, read and commented on the notes found in the margins of the book. The remark which was written beside Dr. Baker's favorite Psalm, the 23, was, "This Psalm was written as a result of an experience." Another expression was, "to find the best path we must follow Him even when we cannot see,"and beside the last verse of the Psalm which is, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever," he had written," Death is not a state but a passage." Dr. Voorhies also read several poems which were written by Dr. Baker.
The service was closed with the singing of "Crossing the Bar," by Dr. Smith. Prof. Carl G. Melander, Director of the Conservatory was to have had the solos, but he was called home due to the serious illness of his father. Dr. Smith very graciously consented to sing the numbers. Mrs. Vincent P. Keesev was at the organ through out the service.
The pall bearers were: W. S. Follen, Paul McLean, J. Wilbur Dole, Fred D. Mason, Charles Wade, and Leo De Kalb. The honorary pall bearers were: Dr. G. R. Johnson, Hugh R. Brower, Raymond Bradley, Prof. B. D. Roberts, Dr. R. M. McKenzie, Dr. Fred J. Hinkhouse (see: Fred Junkin Hinkhouse), Lawson F. Marcy, Carl Welty (see: Joel Carl Welty), Dr. E. H. Collins, and Prof. Sigurd Jorgenson (see: Sigurd Jorgenson). Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
