Michael Baker Family 1798 Genealogy

Michael Baker Family 1798
Genealogical Information

This history begins with patriarch
Michael Baker (1798-1850) of Pennsylvania,
his wife Catharine, and their seven children:
Joshua, Lewis, Caroline and Matilda (twins), Catharine, Michael, and Eli

Michael Baker was born in 1798 in Pennsylvania. He married Catharine (born 1803 in PA). We do not know her maiden name.

Sometime between 1835 and 1840, the family moved to York Co., Sandusky, OH. Michael Baker died in March 1850 at the age of 52 in Sandusky, OH of a lung infection. In the 1850 U.S. Census, Catharine (47) was living in York Co., Sandusky OH with her children Joshua (23), Lewis (18), Caroline and Matilda (17), Catharine (15), Michael (11), and Eli (4). This information is the earliest known verifiable documentation for the Michael Baker Family in the United States. Catharine (born 1803) died around the age of 59, sometime between 1861-1862, when her son Michael was 22.

More information about the children of Michael and Catharine:

Joshua born about 1827 PA, a farmer)
Joshua (born in PA, age 23 in the 1850 U.S. Census, residence York Co., Sandusky OH), is found in the 1860 U.S. Census (age 33) living in Burr Oak Co., St. Joseph MI, with his wife Elisabeth (age 26 from Maryland; her father was from England, her mother from Maryland). Their children were William (8, born in OH)), John (6), born in OH, Eliza (4, born in OH), Lewis (2 born in MI). In the 1870 U.S. Census, Joshua (45) and Elizabeth's household included John (16, farm laborer), Eliza (14), Lewis (11), and three more children born in Michigan: Clayton (8, born 5/1862), Minnie (6) and Ada (2). In the 1880 U.S. Census, Joshua is living in Colon Co., St. Joseph MI (53, farm laborer) with Elisabeth (47), Lewis (misspelled Louis) age 21, Minnie (15) Ada (misspelled Addia, age 12), and two more children born in Michigan: Edwin (8) and Matilda (5). There is no further record of Joshua and Elisabeth. Joshua and Elisabeth Baker's son Clayton (born 1862 MI) is found at age 18 in the 1880 U.S. Census in Colon Co., St. Joseph MI, living with his wife Emma (18, born 6/1862 whose father was from PA, mother from NY) as a farm laborer in the household of George Van Varst (also residing with George's father and George's two small children). In the 1900 U.S. Census Clayton (37) and Emma or "Emaly" R. (37) reside in Colon Co., St. Joseph MI with Enly E. (17, born 10/1882), Annettie L. (15, born 5/1885), Acie (7, born 7/1892), and Forest C. (3, born 12/1886). In the 1910 U.S. Census, Clayton (48) and Emma (48) reside in Leonidas Co., St. Joseph MI, with their sons Jay (17) and Forest (14), and their grandsons Clark Everhart (8) and Claud Everhart (4). In the 1920 U.S. Census, Clayton (58) and Emma (57) reside in Union Co., Branch MI, with their son Jay A. (27, a grocery store salesman born in MI), his wife Rena (24, born in MI), and their children Bernice (3) and Irene (1). The 1930 U.S. Census shows Jay (37) and Rena (35) residing in Sherwood Co., Branch MI, with their children Bernice (13), Irene R. (11), son Howard J (8), and mother Emma R. (68). Therefore we know Clayton was deceased by 1930.

Lewis (born 1832 PA, died 10/6/1863 TN)

Lewis (born 1832 PA, died 10/6/1863 TN) was 5'7" tall, of light complexion with grey eyes and light hair. He was a farmer. No records tell us if he had a family. Lewis enlisted as a Private 8/16/1861 in the Civil War at age 30 to serve three years. He served in the 49th Ohio Regiment, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corp. Records state that Lewis was in a Convalescent Camp at George Wood KY in 2/14/1862 and at a Post Hospital in Hamburg TN May, June and July of 1862. He also spent some time in a convalescent hospital in May and June of 1863 at Murfreesboro TN, but then returned to his camp. Lewis was wounded and captured 9/19/1863 at Chickamauga GA between 9/19 and 9/20, confined at Richmond. On 9/19/1863, the date Lewis was taken a prisoner of war, Union and Confederate forces met on the Tennessee-Georgia border near Chickamauga Creek. After the battle, Union forces retreated to Chattanooga, and the Confederacy maintained control of the battlefield. Lewis was paroled at Chattanooga between 9/29-10/2. On 10/6/1863, perhaps four days after being paroled, Lewis died in the hospital in Chattanooga TN of wounds to his right lung. He served with "Distinguished Service". Civil War Timeline 1861-1863

Caroline and Matilda (twins born 1833 PA). Matilda is buried in the cemetery north of Burr Oak IN. (See notes under Charles Norton Baker for further information about Matilda.)

Catharine (born 1835 PA)

Michael (born 7/8/1841 or 1840 in Fremont, Sandusky Co., OH; died 5/8/1914 of cancer).

Michael enlisted as a Private in the Civil War on 9/5/1861 at age 23. He was transferred 9/14/1861 from Company K to Company F.
(Click on http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.cfm and enter Baker, Michael, Union, Ohio, 49, Infantry to submit the query; this takes you to the option to click on his name or his regiment for more info). He became a POW on 12/31/1862 at Stones River, TN.
He was paroled and returned on 5/6/1863, mustered out 11/30/1865 in Victoria TX, after serving four years in the war. Complete information about our patriarch Michael in next section. (Photo at left is taken during Michael Baker's Civil War Service from 9/5/1861-11/13/1865. Photo courtesy of Klinedale J. Baker)

Eli (born 1846 Sandusky Co., OH, died 6/5/1864)

Eli Baker was a young farmer who had gray eyes, auburn hair, light complexion, and was 5' 5" tall. He enlisted for three years on 12/9/1863 at age 18 at Tiffin OH (Seneca Co.) in the Civil War. He mustered into service as a Private on 1/22/1864 at Sandusky and was enlisted in the same Company F, 49th Regiment of Ohio Infantry Volunteers, as his brother Michael. Eli was sent to the front four months later on 5/22/1864, and died about two weeks later 6/5/1864 near Dallas, GA in a field hospital, due to typhoid fever contracted in the line of duty. He was in Unit 1880 and served with "Distinguished Service". He is buried in the National Cemetery at Marietta GA.

Timeline on the service in the Civil War of three Baker brothers:
8/16/1861 Lewis was the first to enlist at age 30.
9/5/1861 Michael enlisted one month after Lewis at age 28.
10/11/1861 Michael caught fever and was ill for over two months.
2/14/1862 Lewis was in a Convalescent Camp at George Wood KY.
3/1862 Michael was detailed to build a bridge across Duck River TN in 11 days and was stationed at Camp Dennison through August 1862.
5/1862 Lewis was in a Post Hospital in Hamburg TN through July 1862.
9/1862 Michael was at Camp Chase OH.
12/31/1862 Michael returned to duty and was taken prisoner of war at Murfreesboro TN at battle of Stone River 15 months after enlisting.
1/16/1863 Michael was then confined at Richmond VA and paroled ten days later at City Point VA. He was present at Camp Chase OH , an organization formed from paroled prisoners of war for duty compatible with their parole, and members were returned to their commands from time to time.
1/27/1863 Michael reported to Camp Parole MD after being absent as prisoner of war. In May and June he was noted as present in Ohio, paroled.
5/1863 Lewis was in a convalescent hospital in May and June of 1863 at Murfreesboro TN.
8/4/1863 Michael was returned to F Company at Tullahome TN, marked as present on the company muster from July through December.
9/19/1863 Lewis was wounded and captured at Chickamauga GA.
9/29/1863 Lewis was paroled at Chattanooga.
10/1/1863 Lewis died in the hospital in Chattanooga TN of wounds to his right lung, 14 months after he enlisted.
12/09/1863 Michael's much younger brother Eli (age 18) enlisted two months after Lewis died.
12/31/1863 Michael was honorably discharged, mustered out at Strawberry Plains, East TN.
1/1/1864 Michael reenlisted as a veteran volunteer and was present in his unit until July 11.
5/22/1864 Eli was sent to the front.
6/5/1864 Eli died near Dallas, GA in a field hospital, due to typhoid fever.
7/11/1864 Michael requested two week leave to Ohio.
12/14/1864 Michael was sick in hospital at Nashville TN for some time (see disability statement that follows).
1/5/1865 Michael was treated for anemia.
1/10/1865 MIchael was admitted to the hospital (age 24, single, nearest relative named to be Samual Boyer).
8/20/1865-8/31/1865 Michael was sick with dysentery in hospital at San Antonio TX since July.
11/30/1865 Michael concluded his military service. His certificate of disability states the following: "Physically speaking, a sound and robust man and of good moral habits. Disabled by reasons of exposures and hard marching on retreat from Atlanta to Nashville TN that he contracted a disease of the lungs from said exposure and marching to such an extent that he was removed to the hospital at Nashville TN and was sent from Nashville to Jeffersonville Barracks Indiana. Afterwards he joined the regiment at Nashville TN but was from that time on totally incapacitated to perform any duty whatsoever to said company on account of his disease of lungs. He was scarcely able to accompany the regiment home." On 12/11/1865 Michael received a pension of $2. From 5/23/1888-3/22/1890, he received $4. From 12/3/1890-10/19/1904 he received $12. From 1910 at age 69 he received $14. From 11/7/1910-5/27/1912 he received $15. And from 5/27/1912 he received $25.

What follows is more information about Michael and Catharine baker's sixth son Michael:
Michael baker (1839) of ohio

Michael Baker (named after his father) was born July 8, 1839 (though some records date his birth between 1839-1841) in Fremont, Sandusky, Ohio. There is no public record of Michael's birth, but his military pension declaration states 1840 as date of birth. "He remembers very distinctly that he voted for Abraham Lincoln for President of the United States on November 6, 1860, and that his vote was challenged at that time on account of his age. His older brother made the sworn statement on July 8, 1860, that Michael was 21 years of age at that time."

In the 1850 U.S. Census, Michael was age 11, living with his mother and siblings in York Co., Sandusky, OH: Catharine (47), Joshua (23), Lewis (18), Caroline and Matilda (17), Catharine (15), Michael (11), and Eli (4). His father passed away in Sandusky that year March 1850 at age 52 of lung inflammation. (Information from 1850 Ohio Census) His mother died when he was nearly 22, around 1862 (That information was also included in the sworn affidavit about his age for military service).

Michael enlisted 9/5/1861 and was a private in Company F 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Upon enlistment he was 5' 6.25" tall, of light complexion, light hair, and grey eyes. His age was listed as 23, meaning his birth may have been as early as 1939. Regiment records state that he was taken prisoner on the first day of a fierce battle at the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee 12/31/1862 which claimed 23,000 lives during the ensuing year of fighting (click on http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/40stones/40stones.htm for more info). This was the second bloodiest battle fought west of the Appalachians during the Civil War. Michael was exchanged 5/6/1863 and returned to his regiment. He was honorably discharged 12/31/1863 and the next day enlisted in the 1st Brigade 2nd Div. 4th Army Corps at Strawberry Plains in East Tennessee. He was honorably discharged with distinction in Texas on 11/13/1865 after serving four years in the war.

Michael returned to farming. He and Lavina E. Reed (7/6/1849 Fremont, Sandusky OH-4/2/1905 Culver IN) were married 8/16/1866 at Hessville, Ohio by John Cox. In the 1870 U.S. Census, "Michl" Baker (30) was a farmer living in Sandusky, Ohio, married to "Lavina" (22) and their children were Calista (2) and Frank (9 mo.). Michael lived in Lindsay OH from time of military discharge until they moved to Marmont IN. They moved in 1874 to a farm 1.5 miles NE of Culver in Marshall County, Indiana. In that move, all family records bearing the date of his birth were lost. (The 1880 U.S. Census lists them as living in Union Twp in Marshall County. A U.S Pension request stamped 12/13/1883 states that Michael had no education and could not read nor write. A neighbor wrote the request for him and states that Michael is "an honest, upright man...in a suffering condition in regard to his health," who had not received a reply for two years to his disability request. In another letter stamped 5/19/1884, Michael states that "from the date of my discharge to 1875, I cannot furnish medical testimony as to my disability for the reason that I did not employ any regular physician during that time. Took patent medications. Twice I believe I got a prescription of a druggist in Fremont OH by the name of Dillon, but employed no regular physician. My post office address from the date of my discharge to 1874 was Lindsey, Sandusky County, Ohio, since then Marmont, Marshall County, Indiana...I was not as bad off the first three or four years after my discharge as I am now. I am getting worse all the time." In another letter dated 7/22/1884, George H. Burket states that in regard to manual labor, Michael could not do more than 1/4 to 1/2 of a day's work, some of the time do not think he was really able to work at all, but his natural ambition kept him going. And he further says that he has heard more than 20 of his neighbors living in Ohio say that they could not see what the reason was that he did not get his pension, for if there was any man deserving of it, he was.

In the 1900 U.S. Census, they had been married 33 years and had ten children, eight of them still living. The household was comprised of Michael (58), Lavina (50), Frank E. (30, a farm laborer), Bertha J. (21 and an experienced cook), Ed M. (20, a farm laborer), Oliver R (16, in school), and Harry H. (11, in school).

Lavina passed 4/2/1905 (death certificate says asphyxiation due to an enlarged heart, and names her father as Peter Reed, unknown birthplace). She is buried at Burr Oak Cemetery in Marshall Co., Union Twp., IN. The 1950 obituary of their son Oliver Baker stated that "Ollie's mother Lavina was a big strong woman who baked bread every day, made sauerkraut and apple butter, and canned fruits and vegetables, jellies and pickles. Cleanliness, thrift and good eating were all part of the Pennsylvania Dutch way of life." Click here for a surprising explanation of the true meaning of Pennsylvania Dutch.

After her death, Michael made his home with his son Oliver and family in Culver. In the 1910 U.S. Census, a 68-year-old widowed Michael was living with Oliver (27), Oliver's wife Nellie (24), their son Maurice (4), and Oliver's brother Edward (29). Michael Baker passed 5/8/1914 (Cause of Death: Arteriosclerosis), at the home of Oliver and is buried at Burr Oak Cemetery. "After returning home from the war, he was happily converted to the religion of Jesus Christ", as stated in his obituary, and became a member of the Culver Methodist Episcopal Church during the pastorate of Rev. F. O Fraley. (Photo below was taken shortly before Michael's death. We are not sure if the medal he's wearing is Legion, Mason, or Civil War.)

the ten children of michael and lavina baker:
clista, franklin, c. norton, william h., lucy a., bertha jane, edward michael,
oliver ray, lettie e. and harry harrison

All of Michael and Lovina's children were present in this photo, except for Clista, William and Lettie who were deceased by July 1904.

Notes: Front Row
Roy, Neal, Ira Listenberger were children of Clista Baker and Jacob Listenberger;
Phocian Rhodes was the son of Lucy Baker and Jesse Rhoads/Rhodes/Rhoades (1st wife); Harry Baker is Harry Harrison, son of Michael and Lavina, married to Grace later in 10/30/1909; May Rhodes was the daughter of Lucy Baker and Jesse Rhoads/Rhodes/Rhoades; Charles Hawk was son of (Charles) Norton and his 2nd wife Carrie Hawk; Selter family connection is unknown, probably family friends (children of Frank and Rosa Seltzer/Selter were Ruth, William or Billie, Mary; Stewart may have been a cousin of the Seltzer children).

Notes: Second Row
Jay and Bertha Baker Bartlett (Bertha was a daughter of Michael and Lavina Baker);
Michael Baker, patriarch, next to Lavina Reed Baker, matriarch; Michael Baker is holding Lewis Lichtenberger/Listenberger (Lewis is son of Nelson/Laura Listenberger; Nelson is a son of Clista Baker and Jacob Listenberger); Clista Morehouse* connection is unknown (see info below; perhaps family friends). Seltzer family connection is unknown, but Frank and Rosa are holding their baby Goldie.

Notes: Third Row
Oliver and Nellie Baker (Oliver was son of Michael and Lavina, with whom Michael lived after Lavina died in 1905); Stella and Elsa Morehouse unknown connection;
Walter and Lavina Listenberger were children of Clista Baker and John Listenberger; Pauline Hawk was the daughter of Carrie Hawk, step-daughter of (Charles) Norton Baker.

Notes: Fourth Row
Jake or Jacob Listenberger (married to Michael and Lovina's daughter Clista who died in March 1904); Frank Baker was a son of Michael and Lavina, as was Ed
(Michael Edward, single, who would later marry Grace Hare after Harry Harrison died in 1916) and brother Nort (Charles Norton): Carrie Hawk Baker was Charles Nort Norton's 2nd wife; (Harry) Harrison Baker, single, was a son of Michael and Lavina, married later to Grace Hare in 1909; Jesse Rhodes was the husband of Lucy Baker, Michael and Lovina's daughter; Guests Rev. and Mrs. Streeter

*The Morehouse Family:
Leslie was the head of the house and a South Bend journalist; Calista (as spelled on the actual census report) was her mother, Stella and Leah were her daughters. Her father Cyrus from was deceased, but in 1910 he was an elevator man in a rubber factory! In 1910 daughters Zitella, Elsie and Clora also lived with them. Leslie was an electrician in a theater. In 1930 Leslie was married to Helen. Her mother Nettie Herr lived with them.

Clista Baker

7/17/1867 OH-3/13/1904 (Died from acute nephritis lasting two months)

Note from Rosemary Listenberger Dec. 2006: "My husband Robert Listenberger's grandmother was Clista Baker, evidently a sister to your Harry Baker.
My mother-in-law Alta Hess Listenberger told me Clista was a very small person---probably not 5 ft. tall. Alta gave me Clista's wedding cake plate,
and my sister-in-law had the bed my father-in-law (Walter Listenberger)was born in."

Married Jacob Listenberger (Jacob was born 5/10/1863 in Kosciusko Co. and had a residence with Clista in Marshall Co. in the 1900 U.S. Census. They were neighbors of Clista's father Michael and brother C. Norton.) Jacob was 37 in 1900, born in Indiana May of 1863, married in 1888 to Clista. Jacob's father John L. Lichtenberger was born in Germany 1/9/1826 (died 5/14/1902 and is buried at Burr Oak); his mother Louise Elizabeth Tasher was born in Canton, Ohio in 9/3/1834 (died 3/18/1915 and is buried at Burr Oak. Louise Elizabeth Tasher's great aunt was Josephine Tasher, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte). John's father was John George LICHTENBERGER born 4/14/1804 in Uhrweiler, Alsace, Germany who came to IN in 1837 as a farmer and died 2/26/1895 in Bremen, IN; John's mother was Anna Mary LONG born 6/10/1805 in Uhrweiler, Alsace, Germany who died 4/9/1896 in Bremen, IN.

Jacob was a day laborer and owed his home. Clista was 32 in 1900 and had given birth to seven children; six survived in 1900. In 1900 all the children had been born in Indiana and were students in school 7 months that year. In 1920 Jacob was a day laborer and worked with the railroad. He died 11/10/1935 in Hibbard, IN. He is buried in Burr Oak Cemetary, Marshall Co., Union Twp., IN. It appears that he lived his entire life in Marshall Co.

Children of jacob and clista baker listenberger:

Walter William 6/19/1889 Hibbard-12/21/1978 Plymouth; Lavina Elizabeth 6/10/1890 (married Charles Adron Cooper and had children Nelson C. born 9/13/1915, Lucy Jane born 1920); Ira Franklin 12/16/1892-9/20/1916; Roy 3/19/1895-10/1972?; Nelson L. born 2/1895; Neal Arnold 3/1897; Michael E. 3/1900; Louis Rex 6/27/1901.

Further information on each:
On 7/4/1916 in Culver, Walter William married Alta Catharine Hess (10/18/1897 Culver-8/1984 Plymouth). Their children were Irene Vivian 4/6/1917-12/7/1978, Donna Belle 7/20/1919-Unknown, Walter 7/20/1923-7/20/1923, Robert Irvin 10/13/1931-6/28/1984, Richard Glen 1/15/1935-1/14/2004.
On 6/10/1911 Lavina Elizabeth married Charles Adron Cooper 8/25/1887-7/4/1954 and gave birth to Nelson C. 9/13/1915 and Lucy Jane 1920.
On 7/20/1917 Roy married Laura Hacker 2/4/1902-6/1974 and gave birth to Louis 2/11/1918 and another child.
On 12/11/1920 Neal Arnold married Florence Ruby Mahler.
On 7/11/1922 Louis Rex married Trelba Maria Sisk 1/16/1903-1/5/1956 and had Jean in 1923 and Ward Louis 6/5/1925.

Franklin C. Baker

10/10/1869-12/6/1909 (Franklin was born in Ohio. He died at age 40 of a compound fracture of his leg lasting six days,
hemorhhage and folic anemia lasting three days. He is buried at Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak IN)

In the 1900 U.S. Census Frank E. Baker was a farm laborer and lived with his parents Michael and Lavina. On 12/25/1899 Frank married Bertha A. Boyer (born 5/27/1870) of Sandusky. He lived in Culver and died of gangrene which resulted from an accident and a broken leg.

(Charles) Norton Baker

12/30/1871-7/22/1943 (heart)
Born in Ohio

On 10/3/1898 Norton married Viola Sissel (born 5/1878 IN). Norton and Viola were neighbors to his father Michael in the 1900 U.S. Census. Norton rented his house, had been married two years, and was a "hostler". In the 1900 U.S. Census, Norton (28) and Viola (22) had one son, Harry F. (10/3/1898 in Indiana), and were neighbors to Norton's parents. ["Mertie Viola Sissel" died at age 22 on 11/3/1900, of pulmonary TB that had lasted one year. She is buried in Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak IN. Her parents were Lervis Sissel and Elizabeth Ringle.] Side note: Charles and Viola's son Harry F. married Bertha A. Perkins who died 11/20/1974. She is in the photo in Oliver Baker's section with Nellie.

Charles Norton married Carrie Burkett Hawk sometime after 1900 (Carrie was the daughter of George Burkett and his second wife Rachel Overmyer, among other children. George's first wife was Matilda Baker, sister of Michael Baker and twin sister of Caroline. Matilda is buried in the cemetery north of Burr Oak, along with other children with George who are buried in Burr Oak Cemetery and Culver Cemetery. George is buried in Burr Oak Cemetery).

Prior to Carrie Hawk's married to Charles Norton, she was divorced and living in Union, Marshall Co. IN during the 1900 U.S. Census with her three children: Merlie or Mertie M. (1889), Rachel P. or Pauline R. (1894), and Charlie or Charles L. (1896).
In the 1910 U.S. Census Norton was 39 and married to Laura B. (22) of Indiana, with his step-daughter Thelma Susan (3) and son Harry F. (11). They also divorced.
In the 1920 U.S. Census Norton was 49, divorced, and living with his sister Bertha and her husband Jay Bartlett and their two children.
In the 1930 U.S. Census Norton had married Gladys H. White (26) and had two children, Margaret E. (born 6/1/1923) and Norton (11 months, born 5/26/1928 in Culver). Norton, or Charles N. Baker obituary follows:

William Harrison Baker

5/24/1874-3/9/1896 (Tuberculososis)
Born in Ohio; buried in Burr Oak Cemetery, Marshall Co., Union Twp., IN

William died of nephritis (kidney disease). Obituary below is from the Thursday, March 19, 1896 Plymouth Republican, page three:

Lucy Ann Baker

6/26/1876-7/2/1914 (Lucy is reported to have had an epileptic seizure not unlike those she had been having for years,
and fell onto the cook stove when she died. She is buried in Culver Cemetery.)

Married Jesse W. Rhoads (9/1876 IN-6/5/1941 St. Joseph Co. IN). In the above photo, Jesse (left) with wife Lucy Ann Baker (right) and children Phocian and May. In the 1880 U.S. Census, we find Jesse "Rhoades" (3) living in Walnut, Marshall Co. IN with his father William (32) from OH (farmer) and mother Clara (30) from OH (her father was from VT, her mother from OH). He also lived with his brother John L. (6), grandfather A. John (59, born 1821 OH), and uncle Wells (22 and a farm laborer) from Indiana. Jesse's birth is stated about 1877. In the 1900 U.S. Census, Lucy and Jesse "Rhoads" were both 23 and had been married three years. He was a day laborer in Union, Marshall Co. IN. They had one son, "Foecian" (3) born 5/23/1897 according to his later 1917-1918 WW I draft registration information. Jesse listed himself from IN, his father from OH, mother from MI. (Larry Rhoads, son of Phocian Speyer Rhoads, wrote that he was told "Phocian" was named after the Phoenicians from the Bible.) In the 1910 U.S. Census, Lucy and Jesse "Rhodes" were both 33 living in Culver and had been married 12 years. Their children were Phocian Charles (12) and Bertha May (9). See photo below of Phocian and his sister May on left, and an adult Phocian Charles on the right. (May Rhoads latter married William Welcome; after his death, she married Ernest Berry who died in 1968.) Note Bertha "May" Berry's obit below. Again Jesse listed himself as being from Indiana, but did not list where his parents originated. "Phocian C. Rhoads" was drafted (1917-1918) for WW I, but was already married to a Helen (born 3/23/1896-died 10/1972) and living at 510 Columbus St. in South Bend.

Apparently Lucy died shortly after giving birth to Herman. Her son Herman Wayne was born in 1914 and went to live with Jesse's mother Clara (69) and her former husband's brother Wells E. (61) in Walnut, Marshall Co. IN, according to the 1920 U.S. Census for Clara Rhoades. I could not locate a record for Clara nor Wells in the 1930 U.S. Census.

But in the 1920 U.S. Census, Jesse's brother John L. (45) was married to Julia Estella Grube (47), and lived in Walnut, Marshall Co. IN, with children Grace (20, born in IN), William H. (18, born in WI), Esthel C. (16, born in WI), Florence E. (15, born in IL), George G. (11, born in IN), and Frances L. (8, born in IN). John worked as a house carpenter. (He listed himself and his father William as from IN, his mother Clara from OH.) I cannot find a 1910 U.S. Census record for John L. Rhoades' family under any of their names. Perhaps they were moving and missed the census entirely in 1910. In the 1920 U.S. Census, Jesse "Rhoades" (43) is widowed (Lucy died in 1914) and he is living with his daughter May (19, she dropped the name Bertha) in South Bend Ward 7, St. Joseph Co., IN. He is a carpenter at a wagon works. Here he lists himself from IN, father from IN, mother from OH! His son, "Phocian Rhoades" (misspelled "Hocian in the 1920 U.S. Census) is living with wife Helen (both are age 22) in South Bend Ward 7, St. Joseph Co., with their daughter Jane Ellen (age 6 months). At that time Phocian worked in production at a plow works.

In the 1930 U.S. Census, Jesse's brother John L. (56, greenhouse florist) and Julia Estella (57, garment factory trimmer) resided in Argos, Marshall Co. IN, with William H. (28, steam railroad signalman), Ethel C. (26, garment factory operator), and Frances E. (19, newspaper lineotype operator). 1930 U.S. Census, Jesse's son Phocian Charles Rhoads (age 32 and a secretary at a business college) was living in South Bend, St. Joseph Co. with his wife Helen (32) from Indiana, daughter Jane Ellen (10), son Phocian Speyer Rhoads (age 7, 7/17/1922-10/14/1990 Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN), and his brother Herman Rhoads (15). Jesse's son Herman (born 4/3/1914) married Elizabeth Horvath on 1/31/1937 in South Bend IN; their children were Nettie Jane Spycholski of Rockford IL and Joan Whitaker of South Bend IN. Herman died 4/1973 in St. Joseph Co. IN.

[Phocian and Helen Rhoads' two children, Jane and Phocian in photo below, adult Phocian Speyer on right:
• Jane Ellen (Becker) of Miami FL, whose children were Robert Lee Morris (born 7/20/1943), Jerrianne Morris Hardin (born 6/3/1945), Roger Alan Morris (born 8/3/1948), Suzanne Moris Sundquisb (born 2/13/1952, and Michael Kevin Becker (born 7/12/1959);
• Phocian Speyer "Bud" Rhoads of Indianapolis IN, whose children are Rhonda Rhoads (born2/8/1955), Nancy Rhoads (born 2/11/1957), and Larry Rhoads (born 9/19/1959). SIDE NOTE: In 11/14/1942 Phocian Speyer "Bud" Rhoads (son of Phocian Charles) was drafted in WW II from St. Joseph Co. and served in the army as a Private. He had one year of college. His civil occupation was as a meteorologist and railway crew dispatcher. At that time, Phocian Speyer was single and without dependents. His height was 69" and his weight 188 lbs.]

Bertha Jane Baker

7/11/1878-5/19/1946 (arthritis)
Born in Indiana; Died in Los Angeles CA

In the 1900 U.S. Census, Bertha, age 21, lived with her parents and was an experienced cook. She married Jay L. Bartlett (Jay's father was born in Illinois; his mother was born in England). Jay was born in Galesburg MI 1879 and died in 1935 in Glendale CA (Forest Lawn Cemetery). In the 1910 U.S. Census, Jay (a house carpenter) and Bertha, both 33, also resided with Hervey (4), Mildred (3), Jay's brother Scott Bartlett (19 and a house carpenter), and their nephew Leroy Listenberger (15). In the 1920 U.S. Census, they lived in Union (Marshall Co., IN) with Hervey J. (14) and *Mildred L. (13), along with Bertha's brother Norton C. Baker (49) who was divorced. They lived on the east side of the lake in a block house on the golf course. Richard saw them leave for the West in their car with all they owned. In the 1930 U.S. Census, Jay (51) and Bertha moved to Del Rey, Maricopa, AZ. Eventually they moved to CA. They had two children: Hervey Bartlett 8/9/1905-1/1970 (died in Salt Lake City, UT) and Mildred Bartlett 11/13/1906. Mildred married Benjamin Thomas Lenz (5/13/1900 CA-5/7/1998 Los Angeles CA). In 1930 US Census they resided in Los Angeles CA. Their children were Barbara, Douglas and Carolyn. They had nine grandchildren, all residing in CA.

Photo below, back row (l-r) Ben Lenz & Mildred Bartlett Lenz, Carolyn Lenz Jamison & Dick Jamison, Douglas & Kay Lenz, Barbara Lenz Belt & Bob Belt; children l-r Kelly Sue, Scot & Kevin Lenz, Nancy Belt; seated floor l-r: Dougie & Shawn Lenz, Cindy Belt.

Bartlett Family 1950. Russell Baker Reinoehl is standing in front of Grandma and Katherine Baker is behind her with hat, and Zelda (also in hat) is just right of Grandma Dessa Reinoehl. The older Bartletts are to Grandma's right. Others are unknown. They were Colorado cattle ranchers. Date stamped on back is August 29, possibly 1933 (smudged.) Katherine said many times that she and Zelda and the family took a trip west after Katherine's graduation in 1933.

[Hervey married Rebecca Fleta Emigh (6/17/1908-4/7/1997) from Culver and took her back to CA. They had a daughter in Los Angeles, Ramona Jane Bartlett (5/7/1927), their only child. In 1930 they lived in Del Rey, Maricopa, AZ., and Ramona was 2, Hervey was 24, Rebecca 22. Hervey was a painter/contractor. Hervey's parents, Jay and Bertha (51), lived next door. (Ramona called her grandmother "Bobo" and that nickname is what Bertha was called the rest of her life.) Rebecca divorced Hervey and returned to Plymouth in 1939 to work for her sister Katherine "Kitty" Emigh and husband, Joseph Felke. Ramona never again heard from her father Hervey. Joe and Kitty Felke's grandson Chris Felke runs the Family Felke Florist in Plymouth IN.

Ramona married a William B. Greenlee on July 9, 1950 (born 1927, same age). At age 79 in year 2006 they lived at 2524 Marigold Dr. in Dayton, Ohio 45449 (phone 937-434-2588).] Rebecca lived with Ramona for six years before she died. Ramona and William Greenlee's four children are married:

David Greenlee (1951) who married Kim Anderson in 1977, lives in Fairbanks, Alaska and worked on the pipeline for 31 years. He has two children, Aaron (1978) who is married and lives in Pawtucket RI, and Sarah (1982) who is going to law school in San Diego CA.

Douglas Bartlett Greenlee (1954) married Katherine Ginter in 1977 and lives in Adrian MI. He has two children, Nathan (978) who lives in Kalamazoo MI and Rebecca (1981) who is married to Mario Gauna with children Alivia (2002), Andrew (2006) and baby expected in Feb. 2007. Rebecca lives in Adrian MI.

Lydia Jane Greenlee Powers (1957) married Raymond Powers in 1980 and lives in Boise, Idaho. Their one son Thomas (1987) as attending Montana University in Missoula, Montana in 2007.

Marcia Gaye Greenlee Hogue (1959) married Bryan Hogue in 1984 and lives in Dublin OH. They have two children, Spencer (1988) who is attending Wittenberg University, and Kinsey (1991).

Edward michael Baker
(or michael edward)

4/2/1880-7/27/1950 (heart)
Born in Sandusky OH, buried at Burr Oak Cemetery in Marshall Co.
(See Edward with Harry Harrison in 1908 football photo below Harry Harrison's info)

In the 1900 U.S. Census, Ed was 20 and a farm laborer who lived with his parents. He married Grace Idella Hare on 5/9/1918 after his younger brother Harrison died. In 1918 on Edward's marriage application, he was a carpenter. (See marriage application dated May 1918 below)
In the 1920 U.S. Census, "Katharine Baker", age 5, was listed as a step-daughter living in Union Twp., Marshall Co., IN, in rented house with step-father Edward (39 and a house carpenter), mother Grace (30), Harrison Earl (9), Lyle (8), Richard (2 yrs 9 mos), and Charles (1 yr 1 mo). Grace was pregnant with Eugene. (Sometimes in the Census records, Grace's middle initial is listed as F, but it should have been I.) Then Grace died 4/13/1925 at age 34 of septicemia or blood poisoning and is buried at Masonic Cemetery, Culver IN. The condition was called "milk leg", which occurred shortly after childbirth and was characterized by an inflammation of the major vein of the thigh, forming a clot. Katherine remembered coming home from school, seeing her mother sitting in the kitchen on a chair, with both feet in a tub and blood dripping from her knees down.

Marge Baker recalls that her father Edward said he was visiting Grace daily in the hospital and mentioned the family's difficulties to his acquaintance Quincy Reinoehl. Even though Katherine and Russell were cared for by their grandmother Elizabeth and "Aunt" Kitty (Grace's half sister) periodically, they eventually were taken by foster parents, Quincy Garrett (born 7/12/1875) and Dessa E. (born 3/201887) Reinoehl of South Bend when Katherine was about age 10 and Russell was about 6 months old. (It was grandmother Elizabeth who would not permit the children to be adopted. However, Russell chose to take the Reinoehl name legally on his 18th birthday.)

Grace Hare Baker Obituary as printed in the Culver Citizen on Wednesday, April 22, 1925: "Mrs. Grace Baker passed away at the Epworth Hospital in South Bend April 13, 1925. She was 36 years old. She suffered terribly for six months at the hospital. Mrs. Baker's childhood was spent in South Bend. Sixteen years ago she was united in marriage to Harrison Baker. To this union was born four children: Harrison, Lyle, Cathyrine and Richard. Her husband preceded her in death eight years ago. Then she was united in marriage to Edward Baker. To this union was born four children: Charles, Jene, Norman and a small baby that is with its uncle in South Bend. She leaves to mourn her death, her husband and eight children, her mother, Mrs. Charles Neffen of South Bend, and a brother, Ray O'Hair of Iowa. She was cheerful, loving and kind to those around her until the final summons came. She was highly esteemed among her many friends and will be greatly missed in the home and community. Funeral services were conducted in the *M.E. Church Thursday at 2 p.m. by Rev. O. L. Chivington, former pastor there." Culver Methodist Episcopal Church

Then Edward married his housekeeper Ida Mae Geiger Mitchell in Marshall Co. (Ida was born 10/24/1909, died 6/29/1951 Culver, Marshall Co., buried at Burr Oak Cemetery.) She was from Illinois, her father from Illinois and her mother from Virginia. Ida had three daughters from a prior marriage: Juanita (Mitchell) Masters, Daisy (Mitchell) Cripe, and Dorothy Mitchell. Edward and Ida gave birth to Marjorie Baker (info later on page). They lived in Culver.

In the 1930 U.S. Census Edward was working as a carpenter at Culver Military Academy. Children listed as living at home were Richard Baker age 13 (Harry Harrison's son), Edward and Grace's children Charles Baker age 11, Eugene Baker age 8, Norman Baker age 6; and his step-daughter, Dorothy Mitchell age 4 (Ida's daughter from her first marriage). His daughter with Ida (Marjorie) was a baby.

Ed's brother Harry Harrison's two older sons, Harrison (20) and Lyle (19), were adults in 1930 and not living with Edward and Ida. In 1930, Harry Harrison's daughter Katherine (16) was living with Quincy and Dessa Reinoehl, as was Edward's son Russell (6) who was six months old when Grace died.
Edward Baker is the father of Charles J. (born 11/14/1918) , Eugene K. (born 6/16/1921), Norman E. (born 7/24/1923), Gerald Russell (born 10/18/1924), and Marjorie. That information follows in a separate section later.

Click Here for information about Grace Hare's siblings and parents Henry Albert Hare and Elizabeth Farr

Oliver "Ollie" Ray Baker

8/22/1883-11/25/1950 (heart)
Born and died in Union and Culver, Marshall Co., Indiana

In the 1900 U.S. Census, Oliver was age 16 and had attended school one month that year. On 6/16/1902 he married Nellie Jane Kline at Culver IN when he was 20 and she was 18. (Nellie 5/12/1886-1/4/1984; both are buried in Masonic Cemetery in Culver).
Their children were:
Inice (Inez) 5/17/1903 Culver IN-8/24/1903 IN;
Maurice Oliver 2/11/1906 Culver IN-7/27/1985 TX;
Marion E. 7/29/1908-7/31/1908 Culver IN;
Marvin Earl 7/29/1908 Culver IN-7/31/1908 IN;
Carleton Winfield 9/16/1911 Culver IN-12/17/2002 IN;
Unnamed Baker 7/30/1913 IN-7/30/1913 IN;
Ronald Kline 6/29/1916 Culver IN-5/2/2007 Louisville KY;
Annabelle Virginia 9/11/1919 Culver IN-4/12/1952 IN;
Harold Wayne 9/30/1921 Culver IN-4/4/1996 KY;
Kline Dale James 5/8/1923 Culver IN;
Elizabeth Jane 8/18/1928 Plymouth IN;
Robert Phocian 9/3/1929 Plymouth IN.

Side Note: Nellie was born 5/12/1886 at Springfield IL, but living in Culver IN at age 14 in the 1900 U.S. Census with her nine siblings who were all born in Indiana: William James (age 18, born 8/10/1881, died 1/7/1961), Lenna (age 16, born 5/1884), Ella (age 12, born 4/1888), Ida (age 10, born 2/1890), Ronald (age 8, born 3/1892), Floyd (age 5, born 7/1894), Mamie (age 4, born 2/1985), Cora (age 2, born 1/1897) Hattie (age 4 mos, born 1/1900), and her grandmother Sarah Stafford (age 68, born 12/1831). Nellie's father John C. (age 40, born 3/12/1860) was a farmer from Ohio, her mother Nancy J. Stafford (age 40, born 12/4/1860) was from Indiana, and they had been married 20 years. (John's father was from PA, his mother from VA. Nancy's father was from OH, mother from IN.)

Front Row from left:
Cora Kline (Kimble-Boswell), Floyd Kline, Grandpa John Creed Kline, Hattie Kline (Poor-Vanderheyden), Mayme Kline (Bushman); Second Row: Lennie Kline (Clark), Nellie Jane Kline (Baker), William J. Kline, Elle Belle Kline (House-Humphrey), Ida Kline (Allen). Ronald Kline not pictured (ran to barn and refused).


Oliver Baker with wife Nellie	Nellie & Oliver either at Maurice's graduation with B.S. degree from Wabash College, Indiana, in 1928; or his PhD from Cornell University, NY in 1932.	Oliver & Nellie Baker in 1950 at Culver, Indiana	Baker Reunion 8/31/1969 Front Row from left: Bertha Perkins Baker (wife of Harry F. who is the son of Charles Norton), Virginia Baker (wife of Richard Baker), Nellie Jane Kline Baker; Back Row from left: Barbara Baker (wife of Nellie's son, Robert P. Baker) and Betty Baker Voreis (Nellie's daughter)

In the 1910 U.S. Census Nellie's mother passed away, and John C. Kline (50) married Clara E. Wylie (52) from OH. Ronald (18), Floyd (14), Mamie (13), Cora (11), and Hattie (9) resided with John and Clara, along with his step-son James (14) and step-daughter Julia Wylie (12). In the 1920 U.S. Census, John (59, a laborer in a woolen mill) and Clara (62) were living in South Bend with step-son Clyde Brooke (34). In the 1930 U.S. Census, John (70, a rug weaver) and Clara (72) were living in South Bend with step-son Clyde Brooke (45).

Oliver farmed until his mother Lavina's death in 1905, then sold the farm and worked in the powerhouse at Culver Military Academy. Nellie died 1/4/1984.
In the 1910 U.S. Census, Oliver (27) was living in Union, Marshall Co., Indiana, with Nellie (24), Maurice (age 4), his father Michael (68) and his brother Edward M. (29). Oliver was a laborer at odd jobs. In the 1920 U.S. Census, Oliver (36) and Nellie (33) had four children remaining at home: Maurice O. (age 14), Karlton or Karletav W. (age 8), Ronald (age 3.5) and Annabelle (baby).

In the 1930 U.S. Census, Oliver was 45, Nellie 43, Karleton W. 18, Ronald 13, Annabelle 10, Harold W. "Junior" (age 8), *Klinedale (age 6), Betty or Elizabeth J. (age 1), and Robert P. (age 7 months). They had an adult son named Maurice Oliver (age 24) who no longer lived at home. Maurice was born 2/11/1906, died 7/28/1985 in Houston, Texas. He married Bessie Ruth Bush (born 7/16/1906 in Culver IN; died 10/30/1990 in Elgin TX). The only child of Maurice and Bessie is Virginia R. Smith.

*Klinedale worked for the FDA in Maryland for 23 years, retiring to FL. He married Jane (born Thelma Jane on 7/2/1923) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madison IN on 6/14/1950. Their children are Teresa Jane Baker Pratt (8/18/1951), Gregory James Baker (12/13/1952-5/12/1976), Phillip Michael Baker (2/1/1954) and Marianne Baker Ball (8/28/1956). As retirees they live in Melbourne FL. On 7/24/07 Klinedale emailed the following: "Jane was interviewed last evening for a local TV station which will air the program the 16th of August on her recently published book "Love Makes the Ride Worthwhile". It is a collection of her writings, poems and prose she has written over her lifetime. A great legacy for her. We enjoyed visiting the studio of Bright House here for the filming and how they do that kind of thing. New for both of us at your young ages!"

Lettie Ellen Baker

3/9/1886-12/1/1898
Buried at Burr Oak Cemetery, Marshall Co., Union Twp., IN

Lettie was born in Union Twp., Marshall Co., IN. Her life span fell between the 1880 and 1900 U.S. Census. However, Lettie or Letitia died at age 12 of a ruptured aorta.

harry Harrison Baker

6/3/1888-10/7/1916 (accident resulting in suffocation by gravel falling on him at Culver Military Academy work site)
Born in Indiana; buried at Masonic Cemetery, Culver, IN

Ed and Harrison Baker, Culver Town Football Team

In the 1900 U.S. Census, Harry H. was age 11 and had been a student 7 months of that year. According to the Indiana Marriage Collection, on 10/30/1909 Harrison Baker married Grace Hare (8/25/1890-4/13/1925) in St. Joseph Co. In the 1910 U.S. Census, Harry and Grace had been married 8 months. He was 21, she was 20. He was a laborer at odd jobs and rented their home.

Harry died in an accident at Culver Military Academy at the age of 28. Harrison is the father of Harrison Earl (born 7/25/1910), Lyle Arthur (born 9/24/1911), Katherine Elizabeth (born 5/14/1914) and Richard Baker (born 3/23/1917). (See that information later in another section below this chart.)
It appears probable at this time that Katherine lived with "Uncle Art and Aunt Kittie Wike" from 1916-1918 when Grace married again (based on 1920 U.S. Census information for David Arthur Wike and wife Kittie M.)

The two Baker brothers who married Grace Hare are seated in the front row in this 1908 photo. (Michael) Ed Baker (approx. age 27) is first person on the left in front row; (Harry) Harrison Baker (approx. age 20) is third from left. Culver's Town Football Team in 1908: "Uniforms were a matter of taste and available material, when a man with a monogram was seated in the place of honor, when turtle-necked sweaters were considered a football necessity and nose-guards were always prominent."

At the age of 21, (Harry) Harrison married Grace in 1909, the year after this football photo was taken. She worked in the office at Culver Military Academy, and that is where they met. She was a pianist and had graduated from high school in South Bend, not common for women at that time. She was also very involved with the Red Men Order*, which appears to have been popular at Culver Military Academy.

*The Improved Order of Red Men is a Fraternal Organization established in the Baltimore, Maryland in 1834. Their rituals and regalia are modeled after those used by native people of North America. The order itself claims direct descent from the Sons of Liberty, noting that the Sons participated in the Boston Tea Party dressed as Native Americans. Thus, they continue to dress as Native Americans and are organized into tribes and such. Their ladies' auxiliary is the Degree of Pocahontas. They sponsor two youth organizations, the Degree of Hiawatha for boys and the Degree of Anona for girls. Another associated group is its National Haymakers' Association. The organization claimed a membership of about half a million in 1935, but has declined to less than 38,000. The organization's official web site: http://www.redmen.org/. Who are the Pocahontas? The name of the Degree of Pocahontas is taken from the celebrated character in Native American history, Pocahontas, whose brief life presents a touching and beautiful picture of grace, beauty, and virtue as well as constant friendship to the palefaces. All the information that comes down to us describes Pocahontas as being a woman of remarkable grace, beauty, and kindness of heart; of the character of Pocahontas, it is remarked that considering all circumstances it is not surpassed by any in the whole range of history and that for those qualities which do honor to our nature — a humane and feeling heart, and an unshaken constancy in her attachments — she stands almost without a rival. The Degree of Pocahontas patterns itself after the virtues of this Native American princess — those virtues of teaching kindness, love, charity, and loyalty to one's nation.

The Degree of Pocahontas is the Women's Auxiliary of The Improved Order of Red Men. IORM is a national fraternal organization that believes in…
Love and Respect for the American Flag
The American Way of Life
Keeping alive the customs and legends of a once-vanishing race
Creating and inspiring a greater love for the United States of America
Linking our members together in a common bond of Friendship and Love
Helping those in need with organized charitable programs. The Degree of Pocahontas is the women's affiliate of The Improved Order of Red Men. It was organized in 1885 and soon councils had sprung up across the United States. The organization takes its name from the famous Pocahontas, daughter of the powerful Native American Chief Powhatan of the Algonquian Indian Tribe. She befriended the early English settlers at Jamestown, allowing herself to be held hostage after her father threatened to destroy the entire settlement. Because of her friendship with the English, Powhatan ordered his tribe to provide food and clothing during the terrible winter of 1614. This help ultimately allowed the English colony to grow and flourish and is today considered the first permanent English settlement in North America. The Degree of Pocahontas, as a separate organization, engages in fraternal and social affairs and provides an excellent program for women seeking an ideal fraternal association.

Though we have no photo, family members all recall that she was beautiful. The four children of (Harry) Harrison and Grace were Harrison Earl, Lyle Arthur, Katherine and Richard Baker (photos below, born during the time from 1910-1917. (Harry) Harrison died in 10/17/1916 at the age of 28 in an accident at Culver Military Academy, never seeing his son Richard born eight months later. Grace would live another nine yars.

(Michael) Edward Baker was approximately age 35 when (Harry) Harrison died. (Michael) Edward married Grace 5/10/1918, almost two years after (Harry) Harrison's death, taking in his brother's three sons. The four children of (Michael) Edward and Grace were harles James, Eugene K., Norman Baker and Russell Reinoehl (formerly Gerald Raymond Baker), (photos below). Grace passed away on 4/13/1925 from blood poisoning when Russell was 6 months old.

(Michael) Edward lived another 25 years and married Ida Mitchell during that time. Their daughter was Marjorie (photo in her section below), who grew up with Ida's three daughters from her previous marriage.

the four Children of (HArry) harrison baker and Grace Idella Hare (married 10/30/1909)
are listed below as follows:
harrison earl, lyle arthur, katherine elizabeth, and richard edward

Harrison Earl Baker
(Earl Harrison on birth record)

7/25/1910-11/8/1980
Buried in South Bend IN

Interesting note:
Elizabeth Kniffin (age 67 and Harrison Earl's maternal grandmother) was among those who boarded at the home of Bertha Wegner (58) from Germany in 1930. Grace and Harry Harrison's son Harrison Earl (18 in the 1930 U.S. Census) also boarded at the same house in South Bend, 5 years after Grace died. So Grandmother and Grandson were boarding at the same place, along with two 25-year-old male boarders. Harrison Earl was working as a printer in a box factory.
Harrison was employed by South Bend Drug.

Harrison Earl married Vera Marie Schock 8/20/1932 in South Bend. (Vera was born 1/10/1913 and died 2/26/1988 in South Bend.) Vera was probably 17 in 1930 (born around 1913), possibly to parents Roscoe (44) and Bertha (41) Schock, with siblings Charles (18), Dolph (15), Ruth (11), Donald (5), and Merle (almost age 4).
Harrison and Vera's children were Marilyn Baker Gustafson and Janice Baker Smith. (Marilyn was born 6/16/1934 and married Donald Gustafson 3/17/1955. Janice was born 10/26/1935.)
Harrison and Vera divorced. (Vera married Albert E. Backgren 9/3/1949 in South Bend. It appears that Albert, born about 1918, was the younger brother of Edith Backgren, Harrison's second wife.)

Information about Edith:
Edith Louise Backgren, Harrison's second wife, was born 8/22/1915.
In the 1910 U.S. Census, Edith Backgren's parents, Edward (33) and Elln (27) "Badegren" who have been married 10 years, were living in South Bend with their daughter Linnea (7, born in Sweden) and son Henry (1 year 9 months old, born in Indiana). Edward worked in a pottery factory and spoke English, but Elln only sppoke Swedish. In 1903, Edward, Helen and their first daughter Linnea immigrated from Sweden. Their next four children were born in Indiana.
Edith "Backring" in the 1920 U.S. Census was 4 years and 4 months old. In 1920, Edward G. (43), Helen (37), Linnea (17), Henry (11), Elners (7), EDITH (4), and Albert (2.5) live in South Bend. Edward continued to work as a pottery maker, and Linnea worked in a candy factory. In the 1930 U.S. Census, Edith L. Backgren is 14, living in South Bend with mother Ellen Backgren who is a housekeeper for a private family, perhaps for Evans Day (42, a machinist in a machine shop) and his two daughters Mable E. (18, a machinist in a shirt factory) and Faye V. (15) whose household they shared. Elvera E. Backgren (17 and not listed in the 1920 Census) lives there too, as well as Edith's brother Albert E. Backgren (12).
She married Charles Alfred Herman 12/5/1936 in South Bend. He was born in Walhalla, Pembina Co., ND and died 2/4/1998 in South Bend. Edith and Charles divorced. (Charles married Betty Halassy 11/11/1952.)
Harrison married Edith Louise Backgren Herman 6/2/1956 in South Bend. Edith's children (Harrison's step-children) were Charles "Chuck" Herman and Louise Herman Tirrell (born 5/25/1943 in South Bend). Louise married Jerry L. Tirrell. Edith died 7/23/1984.

Lyle Arthur Baker

9/24/1911-11/24/1946 Buried at Masonic Cemetery, Culver, IN

In the 1920 U.S. Census, Lyle (8) was living in Marshall Co. with his parents Edward M. (39 and a house carpenter), Grace (30), Harry "Harrison" (9),
"Katharine" (5), Richard (almost 8) and Charles Jr. (1.5).

Married Beatrice Armeta Clark (3/10/1920-9/24/2005) on (wedding date?). [In the 1930 U.S. Census, "Bertrice" Clark (10) was living with her father Melvin Clark (57), mother Emma Arminda Rose Clark (55), brother Floyd (28), and sisters Marguarite (17) and Vera (14) in Union, Marshall Co. IN. In the 1920 U.S. Census,
Melvin (46), Emma (45), Charley (20), Floyd (18), Susie (16), Howard (13), Alfred (11), Mary (9), Marguerite (7), Vera (3), and baby Beatrice were living in West, Marshall Co. IN. In the 1900 U.S. Census, Melvin (27), Emma E. (26), Aden F. (4), Hazel B. (2), and Melvin C. (10 mos.) were living in North, Marshall Co. IN. An extensive genealogy for Beatrice's ancestors is available on genealogy.com. The children of Melvin and Emma Clark in order of birth are Aden Frederick, Hazel Bernice, Charles Melvin, Floyd Leroy, Ralph (stillborn), Susie Mae, Howard Wilfred, Alfred Nolan, Mary Amanda, Loueda Marguerite, Vera Lucille, Wilma Evadine (died at three days), and Beatrice Armeta.]

Children: Beverly (Wynn); Lois (Trowbridge); Patricia (Weedling); Karen (Pendill Matheney); Lyle Jr "Bud"; Janet (McNeal)

Lyle died from a hunting accident in 1946 at age 35 (photo 1930). Lyle and his brother-in-law Herlin Stafford (Bea's sister Vera's husband) were hunting in a woods near Lyle's father-in-law's Melvin's property. He was standing on a stump with the butt of his shotgun propped on the stump with him. The butt slipped off the stump, discharging both barrels into his chest. Beatrice grabbed a bath towel and ran across the field to the woods where he was lying. She stuffed the entire bath towel into his chest to pressurize the wound. He lived for five hours after the accident and died that Sunday night. (Lyle only had one hand, having lost an arm in an auto accident.) Lyle was a member of Culver Methodist Church.Beatrice married Charles I. Aman after Lyle's death, and she died on Lyle's birthday.

Katherine Elizabeth Baker

5/14/1914-8/7/1986

In the 1920 U.S. Census, "Katharine Baker", age 5 (age 4-5 in 1918 photo below) was listed as a step-daughter living in Union Twp., Marshall Co., IN, in a rented house with her step-father Edward (39), her mother Grace F. or I. (30), Harrison Earl (9), Lyle (8), and Richard (2). Grace was pregnant with Eugene in 1920. Katharine became Catherine, then Katherine at some point. She used the name Reinoehl throughout school. In fact, her 1932 James Whitcomb Riley H.S. diploma states Katerine Elizabeth Reinoehl. She did not know until she applied for her marriage license at age 22 that she had not been legally adopted. When Russell was legally adopted by the Reinoehl's, Katherine was around 28 years old.

Grace died 4/13/1925. Katherine and Russell were taken by foster parents, Quincy Garrett (born 7/21/1875) and Dessa E. (born 3/20/1887) Reinoehl of South Bend when Katherine was about age 10 and Russell was about 6 months old and. Katherine graduated from Riley H.S. in South Bend. She was a homemaker, member of the Salem United Methodist Church Choir, Bremen Grange, Bremen Hospital Auxiliary, Family Hour Club, Home Economic Club, American War Mothers, and Senior Citizens. Morris met Katherine at Salem Church when she was working at the minister's home. They made their home on Fir Road south of Bremen. Morris was a dairy farmer, later a rural postal carrier.

Katherine & Morris Nelson Sheetz wed 9/13/1936 at Broadway E.U.B. Church in South Bend, IN

Children:
James Nelson 4/21/1938; Carolyn Louise (Kuespert) 10/3/1939; Harry Allen 6/13/1944; Twins Marlene Kay (Evans) & Michael Lee 9/12/1946; Marshall Ray 12/28/1950

Dessa and Quincy Garrett Reinoehl (photo above right) are the grandparents Katherine's and Russell's children remember.
In the 1930 U.S. Census, Quincy was 55 (born 7/21/1875 in Garrett IN according to his military record), living with wife Dessa 43, and foster children "Catherine E. Reinoehl" 15, Russell Reinoehl 5. Catherine was listed as a daughter, Russell as an adopted son. They lived in South Bend and owned a home valued at $3200. Quincy was 34 when he married Dessa, who was 22. They were married on 5/2/1912 in Jefferson Twp, Kosciusko Co. IN (obit date was incorrect, but marriage record was found on Ancestry.com with Dessa's name misspelled as Dossa), where Dessa had been born on 3/20/1887. Both were born in Indiana, but his parents were from Ohio. He was a traffic manager at a feed mill in 1930. Eventually he became an accountant at NP Bowser Co. which manufactured Burr Mills farm machinery. (Years later Marjorie "Margie" Baker would hold that position.)

Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941
Name Dossa Edith Evans
Spouse Name: Quincy G. Reinoehl
Marriage Date: 2 May 1912
Marriage County: Elkhart
Source Title 1: Elkhart County, Indiana
Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1850-1920 Inclusive Volum
Source Title 3: Original
Record Located: County Clerk's Office
Gos Book: 22
OS Page: 217

In the 1900 U.S. Census, , Quincy was living in Elkhart Co., with his 55-year-old parents Henry H. (1/12/1845-2/12/1930) and Catherine (11/16/1844-2/11/1913) Reinoehl who married 1/31/1867 at the age of 33. (Henry was a preacher and can trace his ancestors back to Wolfgang Reinol born 9/15/1539 in Oelsnitz, Vogtland, Sachsen, Germany. Catherine can trace her ancestors back to Hans Wirth, born 1604 in Eriswil, Bern, Switzerland.) Henry and Catherine were from Ohio, their parents from Pennsylvania. Quincy was a jeweler at the time (24). His siblings also living at home were Charles (29, born 9/15/1869) who was a furniture shipper, Sarah Gertrude (22, born 7/30/1877) who worked as a sales lady, George M. (20, born 3/15/1880) who was a furniture finisher, and (Abraham) Logan (17, born 3/1/1883 and in school). See obit below of Quincy's brother George. In 1910 U.S. Census, Quincy and Getrude were both residing at home with their parents. (Quincy was married to Dessa at the time of his service in WW II, so he was not included in the 1920 U.S. Census. She was living at 125 E. Donald St. in South Bend at the time, photo of home above. Quincy died on 5/9/1959.)

Della and Logan Reinoehl Aug 1931 in northern MI with
Katherine Baker (when she was about a sophomore in h.s.) From left: Katherine Baker Sheetz, Zelda (Annis) Keltner, Marjorie's mother Della (who was married to Logan Reinoehl, Quincy's brother) and Marjorie (Reinoehl) Farrington. The photo is taken on the turkey farm operated by Sheetzes in the late 40's and early 50's. (Zelda Annis Keltner was Katherine's best friend in high school and her Matron of Honor. Zelda brought a red rose to Katherine's funeral to place in the casket. Zelda died in South Bend sometime around 2003 or 2004. She had two daughters, Marilyn and Margaret Ann, whom Katherine's daughter Carolyn Sheetz Kuespert remembers visiting and celebrating weddings and birthdays. In 2007 Marjorie Reinoehl Farrington was still living in California at age 94. Marjorie's husband was Howard Farrington, and they had
a son George and daughter Susan Farrington.) d>

Click Here for information about the identities of "Uncle Art", "Aunt Kittie" and "Aunt Josephine"

Richard Edward Baker

3/23/1917-11/3/1986

Richard Married Virginia Ruth Martin 5/24/1936
Children: Deanna (Baker) Langfeldt; Arlene (Baker) Batalis; Richard Lynn Baker

Richard Edward Baker was born eight months after his father Harry Harrison was killed, so his father was Harry Harrison. In the 1920 U.S. Census, Richard (almost age 3) lived with his uncle Edward M. (39), who had married Richard's mother Grace (30); siblings Harrison (9), Lyle (8), "Katharine" (5); and step-brother Charles Jr. (1.5) listed in next section.

Photo at left below is of Richard in China in WWII; photo at right was taken in 1955 of Richard and his older brother, Harrison Earl Baker

the three Children of edward (michael) baker and Grace Idella Hare (Married 5/10/1918)
are listed as follows:
charles james, eugene k., and norman robert (details follow)

Charles James Baker

Born 11/14/1918 indiana

In the 1920 U.S. Census, Charles Jr. (1.5 years) lived with his parents Edward M. (39) and Grace (30), with Harry "Harrison" (9), Lyle (8), "Katharine" (5).

On 2/13/1942 Charles wed Edna "Marie" Jenkins and their home was in Culver IN. They eloped the day before he shipped out for the service. (Edna passed 4/1991.)

Children: Sharon (Baker) Mahler; Brenda (Baker) Dietrich; Larry Charles (died at 6 months); Linda (Baker) Delay; Michael Lynn Baker; Barbara (Baker) Schemel

Charles was a B29 bomber crew member during WW II. He was part of the 509th Bomber Group stationed on Tinian Island near Saipan Island in the Pacific. The 509th Bomber Group was especially chosen to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nakasaki. Charles' aircraft was back in the States picking up an unknown load when the second bomb dropped and Japan surrendered.

In civilian life, Charles operated a service station in downtown Culver.

Charles and Edna Marie in front center with children From left: Mike, Barbara, Brenda, Sharon, Linda seated by her mother)

Eugene Kay Baker

6/16/1921 (Died of heart attack 1983 in Dayton OH)

In 1930 U.S. Census, Eugene (8) was living in Culver with Edward (49), Ida (38), Richard (13), Charles (11), Norman (6), "Dorthy" Mitchell (4), and Margie (a 9-month-old daughter of Ed M. and Ida Mitchell). A Eugene K. Baker born 1921 in Indiana enlisted 10/25/1945 at Fort Ord in CA as a Private for one year in WWII Army Enlistment records. He was married, a laborer, and had four years of H.S. He is buried at Culver.

Married Eleanor Boersma who died of cancer at the age of 38. Children of Eugene and Eleanor: Richard E. "Dickie" Baker; Roland Baker (adopted/name changed to Jon Coar), who is deceased; Robert "Bobby" Baker who is also deceased and buried in IL)

Eugene then remarried (unknown name); then he married a Wilma.

Norman Robert Baker

24 Jul 1923 indiana

Norman fought in the Pacific during WW II. He enlisted 9/13/1944 in Indianapolis as a Private. At the time of enlistment, he was single and an automobile salesman.

In 1930 U.S Census, Norman (6) and Eugene (8) were living in Culver with Edward (49), Ida (38), Richard (13), Charles (11), "Dorthy" Mitchell (4), and Margie (a 9-month-old daughter of Ed M. and Ida Mitchell).

Married Mary Ellen Day and had one child, James "Jimmy" Norman Baker 5/26/1953. Norman and Mary divorced.

On 12/9/1976 Norman married Phyllis Rubbi. Photo of Norman alone was taken in 2005. He resides in Arizona. Photo of Norman and Phyllis taken autumn of 2006.

Photo on lower right: Russell was taken as an infant by foster parents Quincy and Dessa Reinoehl (along with Katherine who was age ten). According to Norman Baker (his brother), he and Russell met for the first time on Russell's 18th birthday while both worked at Studebaker's in South Bend. Norman said that the "Studebaker Spotlight" (a company newsletter) took a photo of the occasion and featured it in the newsletter on 10/18/1942. Russell told Norman that his 18th birthday was also the official adoption date as a Reinoehl. However, we have a birth certificate listing Quincey and Dessa Reinoehl as his adoptive parents. This conflicting information is not explained.

Russell REINOEHL

(Born as Gerald Raymond Baker on 10/18/1924 Marshall Co. IN- died 11/20/2001)

Married "Betty" Joyce Douglas on 4/3/1947 and lived at 54605 Elm Rd in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., IN.

Betty was born Beatrice Joyce Douglas 4/14/1928. In the 1930 U.S. Census, she was almost age 2, living with her parents Leo M. (28), who was a finisher in an auto factory, and Agnes E (27). Her parents were married in 1925. Rosetta E. (72) Douglas also lived with them. Betty was born in Michigan. Betty died 1/24/2003 after a long battle with cancer. She mastered sign language with her mother, who was deaf, and later provided sign language services professionally (including the Billy Graham Crusade at Notre Dame University).

Russell was employed by Studebaker Auto Manufacturer in South Bend, then later worked on aircraft fuel systems at Bendix in South Bend. He moved on to Crown International, testing electronic amplifiers before returning to Bendix. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting with his sons. He was a faithful member of Gospel Center Missionary Church in South Bend.

Children:
Roger "Gary" Garrett
Thomas David
Daniel Melbourne
Peggy Suzanne 3/12/1952-1966 South Bend IN
Rebecca Sue (Sweazy)
Dessa Annette "Annie" (Martin)
Kathleen Jeanette

Left to right: Harry Sheetz, Dickie Baker, Marlene Sheetz (hidden), Dan Reinoehl in cowboy boots, Edith Herman Baker (Mrs. Harrison Baker), Russell Reinoehl holding Tom, Harrison Baker, Morris Sheetz, Quincy Reinoehl, unknown hidden lady (maybe Betty Reinoehl), Mike, Marshall, Becky Reinoehl (behind Marshall), and Gary Reinoehl.
This was at the Morris Sheetz home on Fir Road in 1956.

12/26/1957 at Russell and Betty's home:
Edith (Mrs. Harrison) Baker holding Annie Reinoehl.
Clockwise: Betty Reinoehl holding daughter Becky, Harry Sheetz standing,
Morris Sheetz, Harrison Baker seated, Marshall Sheetz,
Katherine (Baker) Sheetz, Tom Reinoehl, Mike Sheetz,
Gary Reinoehl

Child of edward (michael) baker and ida mitchell: marjorie baker
(a second marriage of Edward Michael Baker to his housekeeper after Grace passed)

Marjorie baker

Born 2 Jun 1930 in Culver, Marshall Co., IN

Marjorie is a step-sister to Charles, Eugene, Norman and Russell (same father Edward M.) and to Ida Mitchell's three daughters Juanita (Mitchell) Masters, Daisy (Mitchell) Cripe, and Dorothy Mitchell.

Marjorie enjoyed sports and played softball. She has been a Culver resident all her life, and operated a bed and breakfast and took in roomers from Culver Military Academy. Her nickname is "Termite" and she lives with her dog, Ching-a-Ling-Ling.

Marjorie's step-sister Dorothy I Mitchell (8/10/1925-2/20/1999) attended Culver Public Schools through 10th grade, then moved to South Bend and graduated from Washington H.S. in 1943. While at Culver she worked for Dr. Donald Reed, who encouraged her to become a nurse. She graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She worked at Northern IN Children's Hospital in South Bend 1951-1960, then in the Pediatric Dept. at South Bend Clinic until her retirement in 1988, living in Mishawaka, IN. "Mitch" enjoyed her work with many children of St. Joseph Co. The Dorothy I. Mitchell Scholarship Fund was established in her memory.

Photo below of Marjorie as a 1948 Graduate and at the 2005 Baker Reunion; stepsister Dorothy Mitchell as a nurse and later at a Baker Reunion. Last photo is of Betty and Russell Reinoehl (on ends), Dorothy left of Margie.

Click on the links below to visit the sibling information and family photos:

Harrison Baker    Katherine Baker     Richard Baker     Charles Baker     Eugene Baker     Lyle Baker     Norman Baker     Russell Reinoehl
PA Dutch     Uncle Arthur Wike     Grace Hare Baker

Baker     Johnson     Carbiener     Pittman     Bickel

Contact webmaster m.sheetz@mchsi.com to report errors on site.