Son of Jacob & Maria (Bergstresser) Baker.
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The annals of the life of Daniel Webster Baker, who passed away June 30th, at his home near Benedict, are the records of the experience of a rugged pioneer, who adapted himself to the shifting changes of his environment and came to the end of his mortal career possessed of the fruits of his toll ad the high esteem of his fellow citizens.

It was in 1874 that Mr. ad Mrs Jacob Baker accompanied by their two sons, Daniel W. and Francis A. made the long journey from Pennsylvania to York County to establish themselves as citizens of the great west. They located on a piece of land still the Baker homestead and with the faith and courage of the true pioneers began to turn plains into fields and wastes into cultivation. Few citizens antedated the here. Indians and antelope were frequently seen. The carcasses of buffalo rotted on the prairie. The land stretched far in unbroken acres. But these sturdy newcomers faced all the difficulties with a courage born of hope, and weathered every storm and setback because of their unconquerable spirit.

Daniel Webster Baker was twenty years old when he arrived in York county. He was born on a farm near Waterfall, Fulton county, Pa. He did not begin his schooling until eleven and then what he got was obtained in the common schools when he arrived here there was a need of teachers and he was pressed into immediate service. He taught two years in the rural schools and then, charactistically went back to Pennsylvania to better equip himself for teaching. He attended the Juniata Collegiate Institute at Martinsburg, Pa., for two years, and then returned to York county and resumed his teaching in the winter months while the balance of the year was given to the work on the farm.

He made another trip to Pennsylvania in 1879 to wed Esther Anna Black and add another to the increasing band of pioneers. The bride and groom arrived here in June of 1879, and then began a new home. Fourteen sons and daughters came to this union. So well did sturdy parentage endow the with physical health that everyone of the wide family circle, together with the wife, mother, survives the father.

Mr. Baker was president of the Farmers Grain Association; Director of the Benedict Lumber and Fuel Co.; Vice President and director of the First National Bank of Benedict; served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature for three terms from York county; Sargeant-at-arms of the State Senate; Assessor of his township for five terms; member of the county Board of Supervisors three terms. He was also a member of the Masonic Order.

Funeral services, July 3rd, at his home and cemetery. Interment was made at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. - York Republican, York, Nebraska.

The Fulton Democrat, McConnellsburg, PA, 18 August 1927, p5
Contributor: lolo1951 (47931899)
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Children missing:
Ray Daniel is missing: b. 13 July 1891, d. 15 Aug 1971
Floyd (no middle name) is missing: b 8 April 1903, d. 6 Sept 1958
Contributor: Roy Baker (48443419)