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MICHAEL BAKER SR.
[Welland Tribune, 21 March 1884]
We have again to report the death of another of our oldest settlers, Michael Baker, Sr., who was buried at the New Mennonite church, west of this place, on Saturday last, March 15th, the funeral services being held by Rev. Mr. Long, of Williamsville, N.Y., and Wilson Near of this county. Mr. Baker had attained the patriarchal age of 85 years, 1 month and 25 days. He was the son of George and Mary Magdalene Baker, who came to this country in the year 1798. He was born at Black Creek on the 17th of January 1799, on the farm now owned by Mr. Barnhard, and his father died when he was but two years old. His mother subsequently married Ezra Bearss, with whom her children lived, until Michael, the subject of our notice, was seven years old, when he went to Markham, where he resided until 17 years old. Whilst there he lived with his uncle Rueben Waite, and was a member of the flank guards, assisting in guarding supplies sent out from Toronto. Returning to Black Creek, he worked two years at the blacksmith trade there with a Mr. Bitner, thence he moved on a farm now owned by Jacob Danner, where he lived four years, when he purchased what is now known as the Baker homestead, where he remained 62 years and until his death. At the age of 27 he married Rebecca Beam, who now survives him aged 82 years. They had eleven children, 9 sons and 2 daughters, two of whom (Reuben and Abram) have since died. He leaves behind him, therefore, 9 children, 62 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, in all 85 living descendents. The deceased was a strong, healthy man. It is said of him that he was never sick a day in his life until the infirmities of old age came upon him. Whilst working for Mr. Bitner, he cut 6½ cords of wood (supposed to be basswood) in one day, and it was a common occurrence for him to cut _. He got cut the timber for the old Thompson mill at Fort Erie, and by contract chopped and logged 300 acres besides his own farm. The last 18 years he was a member of the Mennonite church. In politics he was a reformer, taking considerable interest in political contests in his earlier life. He was thrifty and industrious and has left his large family in good circumstances so far as this world’s goods are concerned. His long and useful life being ended, may he rest in peace, is the prayer of all who knew him. E.W.S.
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