Sone of Edward and Lucy (Dickinson) Baker. Married Martha A Barney 31 Aug 1842.
ALFRED C. BAKER , father of Lydell Baker, the well-known Portlander, was buried at Barry, Ill. Wednesday, March 18, 1895. The account of the services which follows is from the Barry Adage: Dr. Parker was born in London, England, in 1813. He was the son of school teacher who emigrated to America to give to his children the benefit of our free institutions. His mother, whose brother, Thomas Dickinson, commanded one of Nelson's ships at the battle of Trafalgar, died in this city in 1862, at the advanced age of 90. Dr. Baker was the second child in a family every member of which was distinguished for his mental accomplishments, the eldest being Colonel E. D. Baker, who as a senator from Oregon grappled with Breckinridge in debate in what Blaine calls "the most dramatic scene ever enacted in the senate," and who fell at the head of a brigade during the war in the early battle of Ball's Bluff. Dr. Baker came to Pike county in 1830, and, after practicing a year in Pittsfield in partnership with the man who afterward became his life-long friend, the late Dr. Worthington, came to Barry. In those early days the amount of riding he did and the fatigues he withstood were marvelous and were only equaled by his total indifference as to whether he got any pay for it. In 1843 he married Martha A. Barney, whom he survived nearly 10 years. In 1851 he went to Panama and was the surgeon for one of the companies which put through the railroad across the isthmus. A short time after his return he made the journey overland to California, and was several months in the gold-diggings. On the breaking out of the war he went immediately to Washington and offered his services. He was commissioned surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania regiment, with the rank of major, and was in all the battles of the Peninsula campaign. In his old age he was the marvel of all who met him for the uncommon brightness of his mind. The keenness with which he could state some complicated argument and the never-failing fund of wit and humor which were ever ready to shine through his kindly face, remained with him to the last.
In connection with the doctor's death it is proper to mention that the city park is a monument to his public zeal. Many years ago, speculators had gotten possession of the park; it had been divided up into lots, and a blacksmith shop and several buildings had been built upon it. The doctor went to Pittsfield,started suit against them, with the result that they were removed, and the ground rededicated to public use. No man ever heard the doctor refer to it, and were it not for the old citizens of the place the incident now would be forgotten. One of the most peculiar traits of the doctor's temperment was the impression he made upon young people. Scarcely any young man of ambition or enterprise ever came to know him for any length of time without finally looking upon him almost as an old and honored relative. This was evidenced by that crowds of young people who gathered at the funeral services. Several years ago, when the citizens of this place presented the doctor with a cane, and Mrs. Baker with a silver set, he said that he had traveled considerably on land and sea, but that he had always looked back upon Barry as his home, and had always hoped that in this soil his bones might rest.
Dr. Baker died Wednesday, March 14, 1895 and the funeral occurred on Monday, the 18th. inst. The services took place at the opera-house, which was filled to over-flowing, the business house and the public schools having been closed in honor of the distinguished citizen. Mr. H. J. Hadsell presided. The exercises began with a beautiful song by a choir composed of Mrs. R. W. Yancy, Miss Clara Burnham, Miss Kitty Smith and C. M. Holmes and J. W. HIll, with Miss Emma Shews at the piano, followed by prayer by Rev. Mr. McElfresh, Dr. I. N. Love was to have delivered the oration, but was unavoidably absent, and Captain m. D. Massie responded in his stead. He spoke very pathetically and without preparation. He said, in substance: "My Friends and Comrades: I am at a loss for words on this solemn occasion. Our lamented friend and comrade was one of Pike county's most honored and prominent citizens; widely known in his chosen profession, and, as a citizen, generous, enterprising and patriotic. Dr. Baker was a man above criticism; yet many say if a man has no enemies he is not of much force. but there are tow kinds of critics. those who criticized him were of that class who criticize a man for forging to the front as a useful and noble citizen. Our friend and comrade was highly esteemed by all our people, and the generous and charitable work done in his profession for more than half a century will never be forgotten; and should every recipient of his charity and favors bring a flower and drop it on his coffin, this room would be filled with beautiful and fragrant flowers. In the Bible it says: "God, thou art good; thou art merciful, and thy mercy endureth forever." And in that mercy our comrade was spared to a long, useful and honorable life. While many of his contemporaries have been worn out and long since passed to the other shore, he was left to us as a blessing and a benediction,and after 82 eventful years he is called to answer to the final roll-call. Dr. Baker was surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, or California regiment of volunteers, and was in or near by the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, where his illustrious brother, the statesman and citizen-soldier, Colonel E. D. Baker, fell beneath the rebel hail. Think for a moment what a shock and what his feelings were in the trying ordeal, but his patriotism was undaunted, and he stayed till the end, and was spared to see the progress of our grand country under the flag of freedom and civil liberty. Our comrade was a grand man, and believed in saying good of those he loved while they lived, and not waiting until the grave closed over them. My comrades, Dr. Baker was an aged man when he enlisted, and we were only boys, but his love of country and his intense loyal patriotism carried him into the conflict when he could have remained at home. Dr. Baker's life was such that he came within the scope of Bryant's words: 'So live that, when the dread summons comes, you can wrap the drapery of your couch about you and lie down like one to pleasant dreams. Such was our honored and lamented comrade. An now, kind friend and comrade, farewell."
At the close of Captain Massie's address another song was sung and W. I. Klein delivered a touching eulogy as follows: "As I stand here today over the bier of my earliest friend, I feel it impossible to crystalize into words the thoughts that well up in my heart. Dr. A. C> Baker, and it is with a loving accent I pronounce he name, has passed away. He departed ripe in age, loved by friends, and laden with good deeds. It is always a pleasant duty to speak of a good man after death. It is most gratifying the friends of him of whom we speak today to know that no one feels called upon to defend any act of his life. Perhaps if his wishes were known and observed, little should be said in his praise. In saying this we would not be understood as meaning that his life was entirely free from fault, nor that he was obvious to the good opinion of his fellow-men. Of course, he was not perfect - no one is. Failures and failures mingle in the lives of all; but his impress is stamped upon the generation of our little city, who loved him so well, and it will stay there through coming time. We do believe that in his career, public and private, there can be found no act of intentional wrong, and that the frailties of human nature, whose advocacy the best of men have been compelled to invoke in defense of their acts, will now in the estimation of all just men, vindicate every act and motive of him who lies motionless before us. As I understood, from an intimacy but few possessed, he believed in holding men to strict accountability for their conduct, and he would perhaps therefore prefer his friends should say of him, his trial in the course of time is closed, the record of his life is made up, and the final decree has been entered. 'Let the world read as it is written: From it let no appeal be taken.' 'And who, in that sincerity which was so characteristic of him, I ask who, that lived so long and moved in so many responsible positions while he lived, could with more assurance, ah! with more pride, point to the open book of his life and on its record rest his reputation as an honest man, a pure and upright citizen. To the gratification of his family and friends, his life is his best and highest encomium. with him, dignity reigned; right, encouraged, walked erect; rascality, uncertain, hesitated, stepped aside, started back. At home he was a model man and as gentle as a woman, kind and loving to every one; prodigally hospitable to his friends, generous to a fault. Those who knew him best love him most. And now, in saying goodbye, my dear old doctor, in your own language, ' It is left to a higher power than ours if we shall ever meet again.' But the community which you have left after a life of sacrifice to its people will for years to come hold in memory dear the angel acts of dear old Dr. Baker, and may you reap the highest reward of an unknown providence in the wish of all." The exercises at the hall closed with a duet by misses Burnham and Smith, after which the procession was formed and the crowd moved to the cemetery. In the line were the Kinderhook band, followed by members of John McTucker post; next members of the Relief Corps; then came the relatives and friends. The pallbearers were Calvin Davis, John H. Mallery, Lauriston Brown, George D. Mayes, Joseph Greene and Thomas A. Gorton. Seldom has a larger funeral procession been seen in our city. The internment was attended with the beautiful burial service of the Grand Army.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge Morning Oregonian, Portland, OR Thursday April 11, 1895 page 7, Issue 11,082 Col B
ALFRED C. BAKER , father of Lydell Baker, the well-known Portlander, was buried at Barry, Ill. Wednesday, March 18, 1895. The account of the services which follows is from the Barry Adage: Dr. Parker was born in London, England, in 1813. He was the son of school teacher who emigrated to America to give to his children the benefit of our free institutions. His mother, whose brother, Thomas Dickinson, commanded one of Nelson's ships at the battle of Trafalgar, died in this city in 1862, at the advanced age of 90. Dr. Baker was the second child in a family every member of which was distinguished for his mental accomplishments, the eldest being Colonel E. D. Baker, who as a senator from Oregon grappled with Breckinridge in debate in what Blaine calls "the most dramatic scene ever enacted in the senate," and who fell at the head of a brigade during the war in the early battle of Ball's Bluff. Dr. Baker came to Pike county in 1830, and, after practicing a year in Pittsfield in partnership with the man who afterward became his life-long friend, the late Dr. Worthington, came to Barry. In those early days the amount of riding he did and the fatigues he withstood were marvelous and were only equaled by his total indifference as to whether he got any pay for it. In 1843 he married Martha A. Barney, whom he survived nearly 10 years. In 1851 he went to Panama and was the surgeon for one of the companies which put through the railroad across the isthmus. A short time after his return he made the journey overland to California, and was several months in the gold-diggings. On the breaking out of the war he went immediately to Washington and offered his services. He was commissioned surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania regiment, with the rank of major, and was in all the battles of the Peninsula campaign. In his old age he was the marvel of all who met him for the uncommon brightness of his mind. The keenness with which he could state some complicated argument and the never-failing fund of wit and humor which were ever ready to shine through his kindly face, remained with him to the last.
In connection with the doctor's death it is proper to mention that the city park is a monument to his public zeal. Many years ago, speculators had gotten possession of the park; it had been divided up into lots, and a blacksmith shop and several buildings had been built upon it. The doctor went to Pittsfield,started suit against them, with the result that they were removed, and the ground rededicated to public use. No man ever heard the doctor refer to it, and were it not for the old citizens of the place the incident now would be forgotten. One of the most peculiar traits of the doctor's temperment was the impression he made upon young people. Scarcely any young man of ambition or enterprise ever came to know him for any length of time without finally looking upon him almost as an old and honored relative. This was evidenced by that crowds of young people who gathered at the funeral services. Several years ago, when the citizens of this place presented the doctor with a cane, and Mrs. Baker with a silver set, he said that he had traveled considerably on land and sea, but that he had always looked back upon Barry as his home, and had always hoped that in this soil his bones might rest.
Dr. Baker died Wednesday, March 14, 1895 and the funeral occurred on Monday, the 18th. inst. The services took place at the opera-house, which was filled to over-flowing, the business house and the public schools having been closed in honor of the distinguished citizen. Mr. H. J. Hadsell presided. The exercises began with a beautiful song by a choir composed of Mrs. R. W. Yancy, Miss Clara Burnham, Miss Kitty Smith and C. M. Holmes and J. W. HIll, with Miss Emma Shews at the piano, followed by prayer by Rev. Mr. McElfresh, Dr. I. N. Love was to have delivered the oration, but was unavoidably absent, and Captain m. D. Massie responded in his stead. He spoke very pathetically and without preparation. He said, in substance: "My Friends and Comrades: I am at a loss for words on this solemn occasion. Our lamented friend and comrade was one of Pike county's most honored and prominent citizens; widely known in his chosen profession, and, as a citizen, generous, enterprising and patriotic. Dr. Baker was a man above criticism; yet many say if a man has no enemies he is not of much force. but there are tow kinds of critics. those who criticized him were of that class who criticize a man for forging to the front as a useful and noble citizen. Our friend and comrade was highly esteemed by all our people, and the generous and charitable work done in his profession for more than half a century will never be forgotten; and should every recipient of his charity and favors bring a flower and drop it on his coffin, this room would be filled with beautiful and fragrant flowers. In the Bible it says: "God, thou art good; thou art merciful, and thy mercy endureth forever." And in that mercy our comrade was spared to a long, useful and honorable life. While many of his contemporaries have been worn out and long since passed to the other shore, he was left to us as a blessing and a benediction,and after 82 eventful years he is called to answer to the final roll-call. Dr. Baker was surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, or California regiment of volunteers, and was in or near by the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, where his illustrious brother, the statesman and citizen-soldier, Colonel E. D. Baker, fell beneath the rebel hail. Think for a moment what a shock and what his feelings were in the trying ordeal, but his patriotism was undaunted, and he stayed till the end, and was spared to see the progress of our grand country under the flag of freedom and civil liberty. Our comrade was a grand man, and believed in saying good of those he loved while they lived, and not waiting until the grave closed over them. My comrades, Dr. Baker was an aged man when he enlisted, and we were only boys, but his love of country and his intense loyal patriotism carried him into the conflict when he could have remained at home. Dr. Baker's life was such that he came within the scope of Bryant's words: 'So live that, when the dread summons comes, you can wrap the drapery of your couch about you and lie down like one to pleasant dreams. Such was our honored and lamented comrade. An now, kind friend and comrade, farewell."
At the close of Captain Massie's address another song was sung and W. I. Klein delivered a touching eulogy as follows: "As I stand here today over the bier of my earliest friend, I feel it impossible to crystalize into words the thoughts that well up in my heart. Dr. A. C> Baker, and it is with a loving accent I pronounce he name, has passed away. He departed ripe in age, loved by friends, and laden with good deeds. It is always a pleasant duty to speak of a good man after death. It is most gratifying the friends of him of whom we speak today to know that no one feels called upon to defend any act of his life. Perhaps if his wishes were known and observed, little should be said in his praise. In saying this we would not be understood as meaning that his life was entirely free from fault, nor that he was obvious to the good opinion of his fellow-men. Of course, he was not perfect - no one is. Failures and failures mingle in the lives of all; but his impress is stamped upon the generation of our little city, who loved him so well, and it will stay there through coming time. We do believe that in his career, public and private, there can be found no act of intentional wrong, and that the frailties of human nature, whose advocacy the best of men have been compelled to invoke in defense of their acts, will now in the estimation of all just men, vindicate every act and motive of him who lies motionless before us. As I understood, from an intimacy but few possessed, he believed in holding men to strict accountability for their conduct, and he would perhaps therefore prefer his friends should say of him, his trial in the course of time is closed, the record of his life is made up, and the final decree has been entered. 'Let the world read as it is written: From it let no appeal be taken.' 'And who, in that sincerity which was so characteristic of him, I ask who, that lived so long and moved in so many responsible positions while he lived, could with more assurance, ah! with more pride, point to the open book of his life and on its record rest his reputation as an honest man, a pure and upright citizen. To the gratification of his family and friends, his life is his best and highest encomium. with him, dignity reigned; right, encouraged, walked erect; rascality, uncertain, hesitated, stepped aside, started back. At home he was a model man and as gentle as a woman, kind and loving to every one; prodigally hospitable to his friends, generous to a fault. Those who knew him best love him most. And now, in saying goodbye, my dear old doctor, in your own language, ' It is left to a higher power than ours if we shall ever meet again.' But the community which you have left after a life of sacrifice to its people will for years to come hold in memory dear the angel acts of dear old Dr. Baker, and may you reap the highest reward of an unknown providence in the wish of all." The exercises at the hall closed with a duet by misses Burnham and Smith, after which the procession was formed and the crowd moved to the cemetery. In the line were the Kinderhook band, followed by members of John McTucker post; next members of the Relief Corps; then came the relatives and friends. The pallbearers were Calvin Davis, John H. Mallery, Lauriston Brown, George D. Mayes, Joseph Greene and Thomas A. Gorton. Seldom has a larger funeral procession been seen in our city. The internment was attended with the beautiful burial service of the Grand Army.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge Morning Oregonian, Portland, OR Thursday April 11, 1895 page 7, Issue 11,082 Col B
Sone of Edward and Lucy (Dickinson) Baker. Married Martha A Barney 31 Aug 1842.
ALFRED C. BAKER , father of Lydell Baker, the well-known Portlander, was buried at Barry, Ill. Wednesday, March 18, 1895. The account of the services which follows is from the Barry Adage: Dr. Parker was born in London, England, in 1813. He was the son of school teacher who emigrated to America to give to his children the benefit of our free institutions. His mother, whose brother, Thomas Dickinson, commanded one of Nelson's ships at the battle of Trafalgar, died in this city in 1862, at the advanced age of 90. Dr. Baker was the second child in a family every member of which was distinguished for his mental accomplishments, the eldest being Colonel E. D. Baker, who as a senator from Oregon grappled with Breckinridge in debate in what Blaine calls "the most dramatic scene ever enacted in the senate," and who fell at the head of a brigade during the war in the early battle of Ball's Bluff. Dr. Baker came to Pike county in 1830, and, after practicing a year in Pittsfield in partnership with the man who afterward became his life-long friend, the late Dr. Worthington, came to Barry. In those early days the amount of riding he did and the fatigues he withstood were marvelous and were only equaled by his total indifference as to whether he got any pay for it. In 1843 he married Martha A. Barney, whom he survived nearly 10 years. In 1851 he went to Panama and was the surgeon for one of the companies which put through the railroad across the isthmus. A short time after his return he made the journey overland to California, and was several months in the gold-diggings. On the breaking out of the war he went immediately to Washington and offered his services. He was commissioned surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania regiment, with the rank of major, and was in all the battles of the Peninsula campaign. In his old age he was the marvel of all who met him for the uncommon brightness of his mind. The keenness with which he could state some complicated argument and the never-failing fund of wit and humor which were ever ready to shine through his kindly face, remained with him to the last.
In connection with the doctor's death it is proper to mention that the city park is a monument to his public zeal. Many years ago, speculators had gotten possession of the park; it had been divided up into lots, and a blacksmith shop and several buildings had been built upon it. The doctor went to Pittsfield,started suit against them, with the result that they were removed, and the ground rededicated to public use. No man ever heard the doctor refer to it, and were it not for the old citizens of the place the incident now would be forgotten. One of the most peculiar traits of the doctor's temperment was the impression he made upon young people. Scarcely any young man of ambition or enterprise ever came to know him for any length of time without finally looking upon him almost as an old and honored relative. This was evidenced by that crowds of young people who gathered at the funeral services. Several years ago, when the citizens of this place presented the doctor with a cane, and Mrs. Baker with a silver set, he said that he had traveled considerably on land and sea, but that he had always looked back upon Barry as his home, and had always hoped that in this soil his bones might rest.
Dr. Baker died Wednesday, March 14, 1895 and the funeral occurred on Monday, the 18th. inst. The services took place at the opera-house, which was filled to over-flowing, the business house and the public schools having been closed in honor of the distinguished citizen. Mr. H. J. Hadsell presided. The exercises began with a beautiful song by a choir composed of Mrs. R. W. Yancy, Miss Clara Burnham, Miss Kitty Smith and C. M. Holmes and J. W. HIll, with Miss Emma Shews at the piano, followed by prayer by Rev. Mr. McElfresh, Dr. I. N. Love was to have delivered the oration, but was unavoidably absent, and Captain m. D. Massie responded in his stead. He spoke very pathetically and without preparation. He said, in substance: "My Friends and Comrades: I am at a loss for words on this solemn occasion. Our lamented friend and comrade was one of Pike county's most honored and prominent citizens; widely known in his chosen profession, and, as a citizen, generous, enterprising and patriotic. Dr. Baker was a man above criticism; yet many say if a man has no enemies he is not of much force. but there are tow kinds of critics. those who criticized him were of that class who criticize a man for forging to the front as a useful and noble citizen. Our friend and comrade was highly esteemed by all our people, and the generous and charitable work done in his profession for more than half a century will never be forgotten; and should every recipient of his charity and favors bring a flower and drop it on his coffin, this room would be filled with beautiful and fragrant flowers. In the Bible it says: "God, thou art good; thou art merciful, and thy mercy endureth forever." And in that mercy our comrade was spared to a long, useful and honorable life. While many of his contemporaries have been worn out and long since passed to the other shore, he was left to us as a blessing and a benediction,and after 82 eventful years he is called to answer to the final roll-call. Dr. Baker was surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, or California regiment of volunteers, and was in or near by the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, where his illustrious brother, the statesman and citizen-soldier, Colonel E. D. Baker, fell beneath the rebel hail. Think for a moment what a shock and what his feelings were in the trying ordeal, but his patriotism was undaunted, and he stayed till the end, and was spared to see the progress of our grand country under the flag of freedom and civil liberty. Our comrade was a grand man, and believed in saying good of those he loved while they lived, and not waiting until the grave closed over them. My comrades, Dr. Baker was an aged man when he enlisted, and we were only boys, but his love of country and his intense loyal patriotism carried him into the conflict when he could have remained at home. Dr. Baker's life was such that he came within the scope of Bryant's words: 'So live that, when the dread summons comes, you can wrap the drapery of your couch about you and lie down like one to pleasant dreams. Such was our honored and lamented comrade. An now, kind friend and comrade, farewell."
At the close of Captain Massie's address another song was sung and W. I. Klein delivered a touching eulogy as follows: "As I stand here today over the bier of my earliest friend, I feel it impossible to crystalize into words the thoughts that well up in my heart. Dr. A. C> Baker, and it is with a loving accent I pronounce he name, has passed away. He departed ripe in age, loved by friends, and laden with good deeds. It is always a pleasant duty to speak of a good man after death. It is most gratifying the friends of him of whom we speak today to know that no one feels called upon to defend any act of his life. Perhaps if his wishes were known and observed, little should be said in his praise. In saying this we would not be understood as meaning that his life was entirely free from fault, nor that he was obvious to the good opinion of his fellow-men. Of course, he was not perfect - no one is. Failures and failures mingle in the lives of all; but his impress is stamped upon the generation of our little city, who loved him so well, and it will stay there through coming time. We do believe that in his career, public and private, there can be found no act of intentional wrong, and that the frailties of human nature, whose advocacy the best of men have been compelled to invoke in defense of their acts, will now in the estimation of all just men, vindicate every act and motive of him who lies motionless before us. As I understood, from an intimacy but few possessed, he believed in holding men to strict accountability for their conduct, and he would perhaps therefore prefer his friends should say of him, his trial in the course of time is closed, the record of his life is made up, and the final decree has been entered. 'Let the world read as it is written: From it let no appeal be taken.' 'And who, in that sincerity which was so characteristic of him, I ask who, that lived so long and moved in so many responsible positions while he lived, could with more assurance, ah! with more pride, point to the open book of his life and on its record rest his reputation as an honest man, a pure and upright citizen. To the gratification of his family and friends, his life is his best and highest encomium. with him, dignity reigned; right, encouraged, walked erect; rascality, uncertain, hesitated, stepped aside, started back. At home he was a model man and as gentle as a woman, kind and loving to every one; prodigally hospitable to his friends, generous to a fault. Those who knew him best love him most. And now, in saying goodbye, my dear old doctor, in your own language, ' It is left to a higher power than ours if we shall ever meet again.' But the community which you have left after a life of sacrifice to its people will for years to come hold in memory dear the angel acts of dear old Dr. Baker, and may you reap the highest reward of an unknown providence in the wish of all." The exercises at the hall closed with a duet by misses Burnham and Smith, after which the procession was formed and the crowd moved to the cemetery. In the line were the Kinderhook band, followed by members of John McTucker post; next members of the Relief Corps; then came the relatives and friends. The pallbearers were Calvin Davis, John H. Mallery, Lauriston Brown, George D. Mayes, Joseph Greene and Thomas A. Gorton. Seldom has a larger funeral procession been seen in our city. The internment was attended with the beautiful burial service of the Grand Army.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge Morning Oregonian, Portland, OR Thursday April 11, 1895 page 7, Issue 11,082 Col B
ALFRED C. BAKER , father of Lydell Baker, the well-known Portlander, was buried at Barry, Ill. Wednesday, March 18, 1895. The account of the services which follows is from the Barry Adage: Dr. Parker was born in London, England, in 1813. He was the son of school teacher who emigrated to America to give to his children the benefit of our free institutions. His mother, whose brother, Thomas Dickinson, commanded one of Nelson's ships at the battle of Trafalgar, died in this city in 1862, at the advanced age of 90. Dr. Baker was the second child in a family every member of which was distinguished for his mental accomplishments, the eldest being Colonel E. D. Baker, who as a senator from Oregon grappled with Breckinridge in debate in what Blaine calls "the most dramatic scene ever enacted in the senate," and who fell at the head of a brigade during the war in the early battle of Ball's Bluff. Dr. Baker came to Pike county in 1830, and, after practicing a year in Pittsfield in partnership with the man who afterward became his life-long friend, the late Dr. Worthington, came to Barry. In those early days the amount of riding he did and the fatigues he withstood were marvelous and were only equaled by his total indifference as to whether he got any pay for it. In 1843 he married Martha A. Barney, whom he survived nearly 10 years. In 1851 he went to Panama and was the surgeon for one of the companies which put through the railroad across the isthmus. A short time after his return he made the journey overland to California, and was several months in the gold-diggings. On the breaking out of the war he went immediately to Washington and offered his services. He was commissioned surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania regiment, with the rank of major, and was in all the battles of the Peninsula campaign. In his old age he was the marvel of all who met him for the uncommon brightness of his mind. The keenness with which he could state some complicated argument and the never-failing fund of wit and humor which were ever ready to shine through his kindly face, remained with him to the last.
In connection with the doctor's death it is proper to mention that the city park is a monument to his public zeal. Many years ago, speculators had gotten possession of the park; it had been divided up into lots, and a blacksmith shop and several buildings had been built upon it. The doctor went to Pittsfield,started suit against them, with the result that they were removed, and the ground rededicated to public use. No man ever heard the doctor refer to it, and were it not for the old citizens of the place the incident now would be forgotten. One of the most peculiar traits of the doctor's temperment was the impression he made upon young people. Scarcely any young man of ambition or enterprise ever came to know him for any length of time without finally looking upon him almost as an old and honored relative. This was evidenced by that crowds of young people who gathered at the funeral services. Several years ago, when the citizens of this place presented the doctor with a cane, and Mrs. Baker with a silver set, he said that he had traveled considerably on land and sea, but that he had always looked back upon Barry as his home, and had always hoped that in this soil his bones might rest.
Dr. Baker died Wednesday, March 14, 1895 and the funeral occurred on Monday, the 18th. inst. The services took place at the opera-house, which was filled to over-flowing, the business house and the public schools having been closed in honor of the distinguished citizen. Mr. H. J. Hadsell presided. The exercises began with a beautiful song by a choir composed of Mrs. R. W. Yancy, Miss Clara Burnham, Miss Kitty Smith and C. M. Holmes and J. W. HIll, with Miss Emma Shews at the piano, followed by prayer by Rev. Mr. McElfresh, Dr. I. N. Love was to have delivered the oration, but was unavoidably absent, and Captain m. D. Massie responded in his stead. He spoke very pathetically and without preparation. He said, in substance: "My Friends and Comrades: I am at a loss for words on this solemn occasion. Our lamented friend and comrade was one of Pike county's most honored and prominent citizens; widely known in his chosen profession, and, as a citizen, generous, enterprising and patriotic. Dr. Baker was a man above criticism; yet many say if a man has no enemies he is not of much force. but there are tow kinds of critics. those who criticized him were of that class who criticize a man for forging to the front as a useful and noble citizen. Our friend and comrade was highly esteemed by all our people, and the generous and charitable work done in his profession for more than half a century will never be forgotten; and should every recipient of his charity and favors bring a flower and drop it on his coffin, this room would be filled with beautiful and fragrant flowers. In the Bible it says: "God, thou art good; thou art merciful, and thy mercy endureth forever." And in that mercy our comrade was spared to a long, useful and honorable life. While many of his contemporaries have been worn out and long since passed to the other shore, he was left to us as a blessing and a benediction,and after 82 eventful years he is called to answer to the final roll-call. Dr. Baker was surgeon of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, or California regiment of volunteers, and was in or near by the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, where his illustrious brother, the statesman and citizen-soldier, Colonel E. D. Baker, fell beneath the rebel hail. Think for a moment what a shock and what his feelings were in the trying ordeal, but his patriotism was undaunted, and he stayed till the end, and was spared to see the progress of our grand country under the flag of freedom and civil liberty. Our comrade was a grand man, and believed in saying good of those he loved while they lived, and not waiting until the grave closed over them. My comrades, Dr. Baker was an aged man when he enlisted, and we were only boys, but his love of country and his intense loyal patriotism carried him into the conflict when he could have remained at home. Dr. Baker's life was such that he came within the scope of Bryant's words: 'So live that, when the dread summons comes, you can wrap the drapery of your couch about you and lie down like one to pleasant dreams. Such was our honored and lamented comrade. An now, kind friend and comrade, farewell."
At the close of Captain Massie's address another song was sung and W. I. Klein delivered a touching eulogy as follows: "As I stand here today over the bier of my earliest friend, I feel it impossible to crystalize into words the thoughts that well up in my heart. Dr. A. C> Baker, and it is with a loving accent I pronounce he name, has passed away. He departed ripe in age, loved by friends, and laden with good deeds. It is always a pleasant duty to speak of a good man after death. It is most gratifying the friends of him of whom we speak today to know that no one feels called upon to defend any act of his life. Perhaps if his wishes were known and observed, little should be said in his praise. In saying this we would not be understood as meaning that his life was entirely free from fault, nor that he was obvious to the good opinion of his fellow-men. Of course, he was not perfect - no one is. Failures and failures mingle in the lives of all; but his impress is stamped upon the generation of our little city, who loved him so well, and it will stay there through coming time. We do believe that in his career, public and private, there can be found no act of intentional wrong, and that the frailties of human nature, whose advocacy the best of men have been compelled to invoke in defense of their acts, will now in the estimation of all just men, vindicate every act and motive of him who lies motionless before us. As I understood, from an intimacy but few possessed, he believed in holding men to strict accountability for their conduct, and he would perhaps therefore prefer his friends should say of him, his trial in the course of time is closed, the record of his life is made up, and the final decree has been entered. 'Let the world read as it is written: From it let no appeal be taken.' 'And who, in that sincerity which was so characteristic of him, I ask who, that lived so long and moved in so many responsible positions while he lived, could with more assurance, ah! with more pride, point to the open book of his life and on its record rest his reputation as an honest man, a pure and upright citizen. To the gratification of his family and friends, his life is his best and highest encomium. with him, dignity reigned; right, encouraged, walked erect; rascality, uncertain, hesitated, stepped aside, started back. At home he was a model man and as gentle as a woman, kind and loving to every one; prodigally hospitable to his friends, generous to a fault. Those who knew him best love him most. And now, in saying goodbye, my dear old doctor, in your own language, ' It is left to a higher power than ours if we shall ever meet again.' But the community which you have left after a life of sacrifice to its people will for years to come hold in memory dear the angel acts of dear old Dr. Baker, and may you reap the highest reward of an unknown providence in the wish of all." The exercises at the hall closed with a duet by misses Burnham and Smith, after which the procession was formed and the crowd moved to the cemetery. In the line were the Kinderhook band, followed by members of John McTucker post; next members of the Relief Corps; then came the relatives and friends. The pallbearers were Calvin Davis, John H. Mallery, Lauriston Brown, George D. Mayes, Joseph Greene and Thomas A. Gorton. Seldom has a larger funeral procession been seen in our city. The internment was attended with the beautiful burial service of the Grand Army.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge Morning Oregonian, Portland, OR Thursday April 11, 1895 page 7, Issue 11,082 Col B
Inscription
ALFRED C. BAKER
BORN IN LONDON ENG.
MAR. 15, 1813 DIED MAR. 13, 1895
MARTHA A. HIS WIFE
BORN IN SANDUSKY OHIO
SEP. 23, 1822 DIED JULY 19, 1887
Family Members
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