The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-10-30

The country has sustained sad loss in
the death Of co.. Z. d. Baker, ant the voice
of mourning is heard from the shores of the
Atlantic to the Pacific. Both extremes OF
the Republic have known and appreciated
the eminent talents of the deceased. He fell
as the haad ofiis regiment near Leesburgh,
bravely cheering his men on to deeds of
daring under the flag of his country.
Col. Bakers life has been cventful beyond
the experience of most men. lie was born
ON the ocean, of English parents. lie came
TO Illinois at an early day, about 1887. and
settled IN Springfield, where he was the CO.
temporary and peer of President Lincoln,
Sen. Douglas, Gen. Shields, Gen. McDougal,
Judge Logan, and host of other men, who
have since made their mark upon the age
For many years he was a leading advocate at
the Bar, in the Springfield Circuit, then com.
prising galaxy of eminent lawyers, and
was regarded as the ablest advocate among
them.
At a very carly period of his residence at
Springfield, Col Baker organized a military
company, which became famous in that re.
gon for tie perfection Of its drill more so
from the fact that very little attention was
then paid to military matters in the west,
and at the breaking out Of the Mexican War,
with his company, he enlisted, was chosen
Col. the 4th Regiment, and served through
that contest with distinction, being wounded
in battle.
Shortly after his return. fro,a Mexico, he
ran for Congress as Wing, against, il we
recollect Alright, the Hon. Thomas j. Camp.
bell, in the Galena District, was elected by
large majority, and served through his
term During the Taylor campaign he rem.
dered distinguished services to his party on
thestump throughout the west. Many Of
our citizens will recollect his speech to some
10000 people at Eddyville, in 1913.
Carried by the tide of emigration and his
thirst for adventure to the Golden Shores of
the Pacific, at an early period in the history
81 California and Oregon, he al once became
leading star in his profession, and as pol
itician. AT the burial ofthe lamented Brod
erick, he pronounced eulogy which, 70,
pathos and eloquence was never excelled.-
Finally he was. chosen Senator from Oregon
for six years, of which term he has only serv.
ed one session.
When paricidal hands tore down the flag
of his adopted country at Sumpter, Col. Ba.
Ter was among the first to tender his servi.
ees to defend the government and suppress
rebellion. He was deputed to raise regi-
ment Of returned Eahlornians, which he did
mainly in Philadelphia. lie fell at Edwards
Ferry, on the Virginia side of the Potomac,
on the 2lst day of October, bravely cheering
his men on to an unequal fight against over
towering numbers Of rebel enemies. His
death produced painful sensation at Wash
ington, where he was buried with such hon.
ors as grateful country bestows upon her
Statesmen and heroes.
Col. Bakes leavesa wife ard several chh.
dren. 1t is said that he had prcsentimen,
Of his death, made his will, and commended
the care of his body to friend. Mrs. Bake,
i now on her way to California, where the
painful intelligence by telegraph will meet
her on her arrival.
Thus has fallen one Of the ,blest of the
IONS of the Republic. He has fallen as thu
brave wish to die, with his breast barred to
the shots Of the enemies of his country
How many more valuable lives will this &C
cursed rebellion cost the country, we know
not. BE they many or few, their memories
will be green in the recollection OF their cour.
trymen.