2023Tree

Died May 2, 1930 Lawrence Baker Died Last Friday Was Former County Commissioner And Member of Road Board; Funeral Saturday William Lawrence Baker, 60, died Friday, May 2, at his home in the Rays' School section, White's Township, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. He had been in declining health for about ten years, growing worse rapidly for the last two or three years. He was born January 25,1870, and married Martha Ada Mizzell, of White's Township, 36 years ago. To them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters. All survive him and are married, except the youngest son, Kiefer. He had 11 brothers and a sister; five brothers and one sister are living, all children of the later W.W. Baker and his late wife, Mrs. Julian P. Butler Baker. Mr. Baker united with Capehart's Baptist Church at age of 19, under the pastorate of W. P. Jordan, and remained a consistent member until his death. He won the esteem of all those with whom he came in personal contact, naturally having a friendly disposition. He was chairman of the board of deacons and treasurer of his church, a regular attendant of the Bible school and church services. He served as road and county commissioner at one time, and advocated the construction of the dam and bridge on the highway between Williamston and Windsor. He was also justice of the peace for several years, a public-spirited man and honest in all his dealings. Just a few minutes before he became unconscious, and in much agony, he insisted on signing his last check, settling in full his fertilizer bill for 1930. Dr. Smith, of Windsor, his family physician, being present at the end, closed his eyes in death, saying: "Lawrence Baker was a real man in every way." His funeral rites were conducted by Pastor Copeland, of Askewville, consisting of a short burial service Capehart's Church cemetery where his body was laid to rest at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, May 3---J.C.M. Judge Francis D. Winston contributes the following short article about Mr. Baker: " I knew his grandfather, Henry Baker. I knew his grandmother, the daughter of Charney Cale. His father, Winfield Baker, was a trusted employee of my father at Terrapin Point Fishery. Naturally I held the son in high regard. Lawrence Baker married Miss Ada Mizzell, daughter of George Mizzell. They have a large family. The wife and children survive him. He was a member of Capehart's Baptist Church, and I believe it's efficient clerk. He was one of our trusted county officials and served upon our board of county commissioners. "He stood high with all around him and was trusted by those who employed him. He never betrayed a trust. His burial was at Capehart's Church and hundreds attended in tribute to his excellent standing as man and Christian. Mr. Baker was an intelligent man and a real good literature. He favored schools and good roads. A high-grade citizen has gone out from among us. We shall miss him------------ Francis D. Winston