Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Baker, Edwin A. April 30, 1873
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Suanne Tasker stasker@cmsinter.net July 6, 2013, 10:04 pm

Ionia Sentinel, Fri., May 23, 1873
In Palo, Ionia county, Mich., Aprl 30th, 1873, of consumption, Edwin A. Baker, 
in the twenty third year of his age.

His grave, to human view, leaves another mystery over the ways of God, and 
records a new defeat in life's battle.  By........exertion he had struggled 
upward to the position of a bright and hopeful future; but .... only to give 
emphasis to the words of the Psalmist: "Wherefore hast thou made all men in 
vain."  He labored with unwonted perserverance to qualify himself for the 
sphere, to which he seemed so admirably ....that of a teacher. Being dependent 
on his own earnings, his education was gained by the gradual process of 
alternate teaching and attending school. With but a frail constitution, he 
overcame difficulties with an energy of purpose which few possess. Yet his 
disadvantage had no small gain for by interspersing teaching with his course 
of study,he obtained that practical knowldge as necessary in a successful 
instruction.  The result was that he became one of our most popular teachers; 
thorough in his instructions, a model in discipline, yet ever winning the 
confidence and love of his pupils.

At an early age he gave his heart to the Saviour, and was baptized by Rev. 
John VanVleck, to whom he remarked in his last days, "that he considered 
religion essential to a complete manhood."  The words were a fitting comment 
upon his exemplary Christian life and walk. He seemed to have been fast 
ripening for the garner.

Soon after he came home he said to his father, "I have learned more about 
Jesus the past winter than I ever knew before."  For months he was a great 
sufferer, but he bore all patiently-enduring as those only can who "lean on 
Jesus' breast."  Near the close of his struggles he said to one of his 
companions, "It woull be sweet to die and be at rest, or it would be sweet to 
get well and live."  His life was sweet to one so young and enterprising, the 
world opening each day some new beauty of lesson-life was indeed sweet.  But 
as his trembling bark drifted nearer "the shining shore," with perfect 
calmness he arranged his earthly affairs; gave charge concerning his funeral; 
sent "good-by" to his young companions, bidding them meet him in Heaven.  A 
little past the midnight hour, without a struggle, his weary spirit was at 
rest, 'for so he giveth his beloved sleep."

His was universally beloved in his native town, and made new friends wherever 
he taught.  His funeral was attended by a large congregation in the Baptist 
church, the exercises being conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. Mr. 
Colby of the Methodist church.

While his flesh rests in hope, his friends have the wide felt sympathy of the 
community.

The family also in theiir deep affliction have the rich and rare consolation 
of having nourished to noble a son, and cherished so true a brother.  And a 
mother will often steal away by herself to his grave and weep over his 
sleeping dust - for the twain were one in heart. - L.P.

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