Frederick Baker

Pioneer for the northwest called from earth his demise was sudden and was caused by a stroke of paralysis. A veteran of the BlackHawk War and prominent in many ways. a short sketch of his life. At 11 o'clock this morning death claimed for a victim one who was known to nearly every person in Freeport a pioneer of Stephenson County as well as northern Illinois breathed his last. A man whose recollections dated back to the time when what was now the city of Freeport was a dense wilderness a prairie in the hands of and controlled by the Indians. Sudden as the summers came it removed a familiar figure from the ranks of pioneers from this county and his death will be deeply deplored by all who are acquainted with him. Fred Baker is dead is the news that flashed through the town at noon today and was discredited by many at first, but announcements from his late home on Galena ave confirmed the earlier reports. Mr Baker died suddenly yesterday he was on discharge of his duty as a constable last evening at 6 o'clock he was attacked with a stroke of paralysis during the night. He was in critical condition and 20 minutes to 11 he expired the deceased had not been in good health for the past 2 years having been confined to his bed for weeks and weeks during that time. Fred Baker probably had a clear history of Stephenson County in his mind as anyone ever had. His father helped cut and draw the first stick of timber put in the 1st building erected in Freeport. His father entered and also owned the land where the city of Freeport is now located and it is with pride that he and his children viewed the progress of the people and through their efforts built up the town as it was today. Fred Baker was also a veteran of the BlackHawk war. He was stationed in Ft. Defiance and served well and gallently during his years when the war raged in this part of the state. In politics the deceased was a staunch democrat and early history for the party of the county he labored hard and earnestly for success of polls.

He not only spent his time but also contributed his share of mone towards defering expenses of many campaigns. He was honored by his party and many offices of trust that he had filled. He was a constable at the time of his death. In a business way he was successful when young, but he in his later years met the financial reverse. Personally, he was a gentleman that everyone held in high regard his social life was one of pleasure and enjoyment and once happy home is past into mourning by the visit of death. Biographical; Fred Baker was a native of Orange Co. Ind was born Nov 1, 1820 his parents were well known in Orange Co and in other parets of Indiana. Fred Baker was given a common school education and he availed himself early in life to learn all the knowledge that he probably could. During the year of 1823 accompanied by his parents to Sangamon Co. Ill in the spring of 1827 they went to the lead mining region in Jo Daviess Co. In 1829, they returned to Peoria, Ill after residing there for 3 years they moved to LaFayette Co. Wi. His father opened a cabin and trading post there and with the Indians and had to accommodate everyone that came along. Fred Baker was united in marriage Feb. 11, 1841 to Clarinda Crain. She was born in Randolph Co. Ill Dec 15, 1819. Her father came to Carroll Co. in 1829 the deceased held the office of constable and deputy sheriff for 15 years and was acting sheriff during the early history of Stephenson Co. afterwards engaged in farming in Silver Creek twp and successfully conducted a farm until 1879 when he sold the farm and came to Freeport. During his career, he held many offices and public trust. He served as a member of the board of supervisors for many years, held the office of Justice of the Peace, road commissioner and other town and school offices. 8 children were born to Mr and Mrs Baker 3 of whom are living and 5 dead. The names of the living are: Mrs J R Weaver, Frank G, and John W of Freeport. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock it is not know whether they will be held from the home or the church. The Baker funeral the remains of the late Fred Baker were interred this afternoon at Scott's cemetery near Crains grove. Funeral services were held at the late home on S Galena Ave conducted by Rev. Harkness. His remains were followed to the grave by his old friends and neighbors. The funeral had been postponed from yesterday until today on account of the non arrival of his daughter, Mrs. J R Weaver. Freeport Bulletin Sat. Aug. 13, 1892 pg 1 col 1. Submitted by: Dem Bones on 17 July 2002