The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1913-05-30
from Mondays GaiIy.

from Mondays Daily.
Grim Death-that ruthless invader
has severed another link which |
connects the past with the present
General James H. Baker, scholar,
soldier, statesman, orator, literatus, |
and the founder OF The Free Press,
died at his home, 104 Parsons street,
at 3:1S o'clock yesterday afternoon.
His passing was quiet, peaceful, like !
one falling asleep. He suffered no
pain and was conscious almost to
the last. His soul has returned to
it's Maker, and one of the men who
was closely identified with the birth
do with it's remarkable progress has
gone out of this life. He was the
compatrist and compeer of Cover
nor Alexander Ramsey, General H. H.
Sibley, Judge Charles Flandreau, Sen
ator Morton S. Wilkinson, Senator
Cushman K Davis, and those brainy
men who laid the substantial founda-
tion stone upon which rests the mag
nificent superstructure of this great
commonwealth. His was an active
career, and i'm many respects one of
the most remarkable in the history
of Minnesota and the northwest. He
possessed the essential elements that
maketh full man. He was an ora
tor and writer. and he had served
his country in its darkest hour as a
soldier. He has held many positions
of trust, and his public life was one
of good deeds and brilliant achiev-
ments. He was a gentleman of the
old school, affable, genial, courteous
and a Chesterfield in mannerisms
and politeness. He was an excellent
citizen, valued friend, and his
home life was ideal.
His Failing Health.
General Baker was in his eighty
fourth year when he died. His health
began to fail about two years ago,
and for many months he has not
been active. Most of the time he
has spent at his home, receiving his
in his old-time genial and courteous
manner His mind retained it's &C
tivity and its brilliancy During the
past few months he began to grow
weaker and few days ago he was
forced to take to his bed; but even
then his condition was not considered
serious and it was expected by mem
bers of his family and his closest
friends that he would soon be able
to leave his bed and be about the
house. However, turn for the
worse came yesterday morning about
ten o'clock. The general had eaten
his breakfast as usual and with the
assistance of E. p. Rutan got uI
and walked from the bed to the
mantle and back. Retiring again tt
his couch the general engaged in
conversation with his visitor. 1t was
at this time that the general first
learned of the death of the late
Alanson Messer This sad informa
ton appeared to distress him greatly
and several times before he passed
away he referred to Mr. Messer feel
ingly. Shortly before twelve O'Clock
the general expressed wish tina
Mrs Baker come to him. She came
from the rooms below and instantl!
upon entering her husbands room
she observed that he was growing
worse. DIR. j. W. Andrews was sen
for. He arrived at the house a
about one o'clock. having just come
from call on another patient. HI
made an examination of the general
pulse and found it very weak. Thu
heart was in a weakened state an
the doctor could discern that deatl
was not far of He advised tina
James H. Baker, Jr.. who is attend
ing the state university. be sent TO
at once. The young man arrives
home last night at 1880 O'Clock.
General Baker died at S:1S. Hi
hast moments were without specia
sncidcnt. His death was due to tn
ailments which come to one of hi
wears. nc had worn out Life
strings had snArpcd
An Active Life.
General James Heaton Baker M
horn al Mcarce. Butler county. ohiC
lEaE " SS1sy- : s--ssss- :
HEenup Raker, NJ D. and Hanna
Rseaspn Baker His father was Dor
IN EsmauNpre. Maryland, and was to
e@s~-s>--- s>t>>sSss>sar
and vsan Of sne literary affair
sn,ass tsts grsat grandfather, VI