OBITUARY
James Davidson Baker died at his home near this city, September 1, 1894. He was born in Morgan County, Indiana, November 7, 1835. His parents came to Missouri in 1840 and from there to Page County, Iowa, in 1851. In February 1854 they removed to Adams County and in July following to this county and improved the farm southeast of Villisca, now occupied by Polk Stennett. Mr. Baker enlisted in Co. 11, 4th Reg. Iowa Infantry, July 25, 1861. He was wounded in the left leg, November 24, 1863, at Look Out Mountain, and this limb was amputated. Capt. Ankeny, of Corning commanded Co. H, and both he and Hou. F. M. Davis were present at the funeral of their old comrade and spoke in glowing terms of his faithfulness as a soldier and his many good qualities as a citizen. He was mustered out in '64, after having served his three years enlistment. He married Rachel Russell, January 22, 1854. To this union eleven children were born, and nine of them and their mother are now living. Mr. Baker was a good neighbor, a straight conscientious man who believed in living up to the golden rule every day of his life, he was always generous and sympathetic, and held the affection of all who knew him. The funeral was in charge of the G. A. R. Post and a very large attendance showed the regards of the community for the deceased. Elder McCullough gave an address at the house. Over a hundred wagons and carriages were in the procession to the cemetery where on Sunday afternoon, the remains were laid away in their final resting place to await in dreamless sleep the resurrection mourn.
The Villisca Review, Villisca, Iowa, Thursday, September 6, 1894, page 2
In the 1860 Census of Montgomery County James D. Baker is listed as 24 years old and he was a Wagon Maker.
James D. Baker married Rachel Russell on June 22, 1865 in Villisca, Montgomery County, Iowa by J. W. Patterson, Justice of Peace.
Information found in the Montgomery County Court House, Red Oak, Iowa, death records, book 2, page 21
James D. Baker died September 1, 1894 in Jackson Township, Iowa, at the age of 58 years. He died of chronic malaria poisoning-length of illness 11 weeks. He was buried in Villisca on September 2, 1894.
Information found in the death records at the Montgomery County Court House, book 2, page 21, #39..
He was 58 years old when he died, Civil War Vet, C. H, 4th Iowa Infantry.