Henry Abraham Baker

Henry Abraham Baker was born on December 3, 1864, on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio, and grew up there.  His parents were Peter G. and Margaret Shearer Baker.  He was educated in rural schools, farmed, and worked at many different industrial jobs in and around Newark.

He married Elfie (Effie) Coffield in Berkshire, Delaware County, Ohio, by a Justice of the Peace named Thomas F. Carpenter on May 10, 1885¹.  He was 20 and she was 17.  [See more about Elfie Coffield Baker below.]  Their children were:

            Lottie Mae, born July 7, 1886, who married John B. Scholl

Herbert Leo, born August 6, 1887 who married Blanche Mary Sanford

Clarence J., born November 30, 1891 who died in infancy

Carol Hope (Bessie), born November 21, 1894 who married Clement Sainto Ghiloni

Gladys Kate, born March 14, 1898

They started housekeeping on a farm near Old Alum Creek in Delaware County, Ohio.  In the 1900 census, the family is in Hartford, Licking County, Ohio.  By 1920, they are in Newark [City] where they remained the rest of their lives.  He was united with the Methodist Church in 1890 and later moved his membership to the Stevens Street Christian Church in Newark, Ohio.

Their daughter, Gladys, was employed by the Heisey glass factory in Newark as a mold-maker from at least 1920 until her blindness from diabetes prevented her from working. She remained single and continued to live with her parents.

Their daughter, Bessie, married Clement Ghiloni in 1913 and died in 1924.  Clem along with the four surviving children moved in with Henry and Elizabeth for a time and were there when the 1930 census was taken.

For many years he was employed by Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad Company at Croton, Ohio.  At the time of his death he was employed as a tire maker in Pharis Rubber Plant at Newark.  His death was the result of an accident the day before - his hand was caught in a machine the right arm was amputated.  He never rallied from the operation and loss of blood and shock caused his death.  He died in City Hospital in Newark on July 31, 1931, at 2:10 pm and was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newark on August 3².  Their address at the time of Henry's death was 616 Evans Street, Newark, Ohio.

OBITUARY [source unkown] - Monday Aug 31, 1931

"Henry Abraham Baker, son of Peter and Margaret Baker, was born on a farm in Delaware county, Ohio, Dec. 3rd, 1864, and departed this life in Newark City Hospital July 31, 1931, at the age of 66 years 7 months and 28 days.  Death resulting from an accident which occurred at the plant of the Pharis Rubber Co, the day before.  He was united in marriage, to Effie Coffield, May 10, 1885, and to this union was born five children, Mrs. J. B. Scholl, of Linneus, Mo., Herbert L Baker, of Jacksontown, Ohio, Gladys Baker of Newark; Clarence, an infant son and Mrs. Bessie Ghiloni, preceded him in death.  Most of his life was spent in Licking Co, where he was employed as a factory worker.  He united with the Church of Christ in Croton O, in early life but in 1925, he transferred his membership to the Stevens St U.B. Church in Newark, and tried to live a good Christian life.  He was industrious always interested in the comfort of his family, he was a kind neighbor and loved by many friends.  Mr. Baker leaves to mourn his sudden departure, his wife, Mrs. Effie Baker, the three children above mentioned, two sons-in-law, ten grandchildren, two great-grand-children, other relatives, and a host of friends."

Effie Alvira Coffield Baker

Elfie (or Effie) Coffield Baker was born August 4, 1867, to Jacob and Elizabeth Stull Coffield on a farm near Croton, Ohio, and grew up in that vicinity.  At the age of 16, she was converted and united with the Schoolland Christian Union Church and later moved her membership to Disciple Church at Croton, Ohio.  After she married Henry Baker, they moved to Newark and she placed her membership with her husband in the Stevens Street Christian Church.  When that denomination sold their building and left the field to the United Brethren, she placed her membership with that organization and was a faithful member until her death at home (616 Evans Street, Newark, Ohio) on May 14, 1939, at 3:30 pm.  The cause of death was shown as heart failure and myocarditis.  She had pneumonia a month earlier³.

OBITUARY  Mrs. Elfie Baker

"Mrs. Elfie Baker, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Coffield, was born on a farm, north of Croton, Ohio, August 4, 1867, and departed this life on Mother's Day, May 14 1939, at her home on Evans Street, Newark, Ohio, at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 10 days of age.

On May 10, 1885, she was united in marriage to Henry A. Baker, to whom she was a true helpmeet, and a faithful companion until his death eight years ago.

To this union five children were born, - Mrs. J. B. Scholl of Keytesville, Mo., Herbert L. Baker of Jacksontown, Ohio, and Miss Gladys Baker of the home,  Mrs. Bessie Ghiloni, who passed away 15 years ago, and a son, who died in infancy.

Early in life, she was converted and united with the church of Christ, later, transferring her membership to the Stevens Street United Brethren Church in North Newark.

Beautifully did Mrs. Baker exemplify those Christian virtues that make for Christian Motherhood.

Truly, she loved her Lord and her neighbor as herself.  Her life was daily, gladly laid upon the altar of service, sacrificing for her children, grandchildren and neighbors.

She was so tolerant and forgiving, often remarking that we were all human and prone to err.

Her husband preceded her in death 8 years ago.  In addition to her children, she leaves to mourn her passing, one sister, Mrs. Kate Clark of Johnstown, Ohio, 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, many relatives and a host of friends.

Thus has gone to her reward, one whose life was such an inspiration to all who knew her.  "Her children arise up and call her blessed."  Surely her Master will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy Lord".  "Inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these, ye did it unto me".

Funeral services were conducted in the home by her pastor, Rev. Houston, assisted by her son-in-law, Rev. J. B. Scholl of Keytesville, Mo.  Hymns used, "God's Tomorrow", "When they Ring Those Golden Bells For You and Me" and a solo, "Help Somebody Today".

She is Just Away (Jas. Whitcomb Riley)

"I cannot say, and I will not say

That she is dead, - She is just away.

With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,

She has wandered into an unknown land,

And left us dreaming how very fair

It needs must be, since she lingers there.

And you - O you, who the wildest yearn

For the old-time step and the glad return, -

Think of her faring on, as dear

In the love of There as the love of Here;

Think of her still as the same, I say

She is not dead - she is just away."

Scripture used, Proverbs 31:10-31.  John 14."

Source Notes

1.      Delaware County, Ohio, Marriage Record, Henry A. Baker and Elfie Coffield, recorded on May 18, 1885, page 188, #678.

2.      State of Ohio Certificate of Death #43817, Licking County, Ohio, Henry A. Baker.

3.      State of Ohio Certificate of Death #32109, Licking County, Ohio, Effie Barker [sic].