Charlotte Dove Baker, 1802-1885, family

According to Charlotte Dove Baker’s obituary in the Newark Daily Advocate, 10 July 1885, Charlotte was a devote mother and Christian. Her obituary reads that she is singing and walking in heaven with Jesus. Other facts include:

• Birth May 1802 in Maryland
• Husband Jacob Baker, died 1855, married July 1819 in Maryland
• Moved in 1829 to Eden Township, Licking County, Ohio
• Death June 1885 in Ohio
• Birthed 11 children
• Survived by 4 sons and 3 daughters

 The above description matches Charlotte’s probate, the obituary did not name the children, the probate does name the children. Charlotte Dove’s obituary in the Newark Daily Advocate was accessed 20 November 2023 on Ancestry.com. The probate record was accessed on Ancestry.com.

Children according to Charlotte probate:

Josiah Baker, 1820-1884, wife Rachel English, unable to verify heirs in Marion, Indiana

 Charles F Baker, 1822-1893, White County, Indiana, wife Ann Gill

 Sarah Baker Nash, 1826, in 1885 lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, needs more research

 Andrew Jackson Baker, 1828-?, in 1885 lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan – Many Andrew Jackson Baker men need to be researched carefully. Using only the census records, I am able to follow Andrew Jackson from 1850 to 1880. It does not appear that he was married nor had children during this time period. Did Andrew live near his sister Sarah Nash in 1885?

 Heirs of Mary English, 1830-?, in 1885 in Marion County, Indiana, This is a common surname with too many for me to search at this time.

 James S Baker, 1832-1905, according to the newspaper, The Advocate, Newark, Licking County, Ohio, James lived on family farm 71 years and his wife Rachel A. Danielson had 11 children

 John Wesley Baker, 1834-1909, wife Emilie Jones in 1885 lived in Ohio

 Margaret Jane Hilleary, 1839-1923, lived in Ohio

 Lavonia Baker Dush, 1841-1925, lived in Ohio

 What is my connection? Josiah Baker, 1833-1934, husband of Elizabeth Bliss. I have several DNA matches leading to this line.

As with the Jacob and Charlotte Baker family, I see many differences of opinion. Many Josiah Baker’s lived, married and died during this time period and in these locations. My Ancestry tree has 6 men named Josiah Baker. PLEASE let us work together to unravel the trail. As new technology is available, more of our questions can be narrowed and verified. Thank you in advance for your help. My trees are on MyHeritage and Ancestry. Selma Kampe Blackmon aka Roots Digger

Let us RE-search together

"Klondike Newsman: Stroller White" by R.N. DeAmond

From the pen of a journalist, Klondike Newsman: "Stroller" White compiled and edited by R.N. DeArmond offers the reader a glimpse into life during the Yukon gold rush (1897+). According to Bob DeArmond, "Stroller" or Elmer John White may have been the first newspaper columnist on the northern scene. After Stroller's death, Bob worked as a writer for Mrs. White on the Stroller's Weekly.
In this book, the compiler shares a glimpse of everyday life from a scattering of "The Stroller" columns that appeared in newsprint. The "Forward" by Stroller Tod White sets the stage with updated family information including Albert Hamilton son of Elmer and Tod's father; Stroller Benjamin and Nadia are Tod's children. The "Introduction" by the editor provides background information on Elmer John White, the Stroller. Entertaining his readers was Stroller's goal. The columns include everyday people and their kinfolk; people interested in three squares a day and how to obtain them with the least amount of work. The book, divided into selected newspaper columns, offers humor, truth, semi-truth and homespun yarns.

In the days when Skagway had five to ten thousand people at any time, Stroller White in his reminiscence added names to word pictures with the sounds and smells of Dawson, Skagway and Whitehorse. The reader needs every word to enjoy the complete picture. These pictures are too large for my brief article. A few of the column names include Gussie Lamore, Frank Slavin, The Hot Cake Kid, Nosey, Barbara and The Ice Worm Story. As a 76 year old lady, Barbara ran north "I always wanted to try it and never had a chance. When the chance came, I took it. And here I am..." This quote plus more about Barbara may be read on pages 22-27. The Ice Worm Story, pages 112-118, was reprinted in other papers. The Scientific Research Society in London requested a specimen. The Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. asked for updates. Read the column for the rest of the story.

The following information on the political career of Elmer John White is from political graveyard.com. Most of the information was weaved into the reviewed book. Elmer John White (1859-1930) - also known as E.J. White - of Juneau, Alaska. Born in Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio, November 28, 1859. Democrat. School teacher, newspaper editor and publisher, U.S. Consular Agent in Whitehorse, 1911; member of Alaska territorial House of Representatives 1st District, 1919-22; Speaker of Alaska Territory House of Representatives, 1919-20. Died in 1930.

This book deserves a five star rating because of the humor, entertainment and educational value. Do you ever say, "I want to learn more about this person?" After reading Klondike Newsman and his columns, I have spent days researching his family, the geography and history of Alaska. Nadia, great-granddaughter, has retraced their family steps. In the Travels With Josie, Nadia shares her discoveries. Nadia White, Associate Professor in the School of Journalism at the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, weaves her love of family, journalism and environment into her daily life.

Comments, please contact Selma Blackmon.

Skaguay News Depot & Books, Skagway, Alaska

   My previous article on Alaska related a few of  my 1973 memories. This article follows the Alaskan theme. Wandering around Juneau and Skagway, we usually find our way into bookstores and museums, asking for area history, writers and lore. This book fit all three categories. Klondike Newsman compiled and edited by R.N. DeArmond.
  The Skagway book store has a unique name and history, Skaguay News Depot & Books, OPEN ALL YEAR. As a tourist in Alaska, we found this unique. Most shop store staff told us they close and go else were for the non-tourist months. The lady we talked with was very helpful, knowledgeable and answered all our questions with appropriate book suggestions. She is the real deal, not a transplant.

Every book receives a bookmark: 

WHY WE SPELL IT WITH A "U"

The original accepted spelling of our city was "Skagua," a Tlingit word meaning "windy place." When the stampeders landed here in 1897, they anglicized it by adding a "y." However, by the fall of 1898 some local businesses, including the DAILY ALASKAN, had replaced the "u" with a "w." The issue came to a head when the U.S. Post Office put a "w" in the city's new postmark. The rival SKAGUAY NEWS lambasted the change in the following editorial on October 14, 1898:

"We note what might be termed an idiotic tendency on the part of a few people in this city to change its name from 'SKAGUAY' to 'SKAGWAY.' It is true someone connected with the post office department away back in Washington has seen fit to denominate that the name of our city be spelled with a 'w' instead of a 'u,' thus making the name of our city two syllables instead of three. But the fact that the post office department has seen fit to do away with the rhythm of our city's name and substitute a more harsh, if shorter one, is no reason why we should adopt it . . . The name of our city has always been known to the commercial world as Skaguay, with a 'u' and as such it should be known . . .If Skaguay owes the post office department any thanks for anything, let the bill be presented. In the meantime, spell it with a 'u'"

By the end of the gold rush in 1900, even the SKAGWAY NEWS had made the switch, but we continue to spell some of our names with a "u." It's our history to be different.

Thank you for being different. May you continue for many years to come.

Skaguay News Depot & Books
www.skagwaybooks.com
264 Broadway
P.O. Box 498
Skagway, Alaska
99840-0498
907.983.3354
skagnews@aptalasa.net

As an extra note, the Klondike Newsman mentions Sam Dunham and prints his poems on pages 92 and 160. Do not know anything more about Sam. More book reviews to follow.

Who is Clarence N. Armstrong killed in train wreck?

The only information on Clarence Armstrong (1872-1904) is his obituary, grave stone and a photograph. 

Palestine Daily Herald (Palestine, Tex), Vol. 2, No. 261, Ed. 1, Thursday, May 5, 1904

Hamilton, W. M. and H. V. Hamilton, editors. Palestine Daily Herald (Palestine, Tex), Vol. 2, No. 261, Ed. 1, Thursday, May 5, 1904, Newspaper, May 5, 1904; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth67566/ : accessed August 01, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.

Page 1

Fatal collision On South End

Conductor Frank Austin and Fireman Armstrong Killed---Others Injured.

Killed:

CONDUCTOR FRANK AUSTIN.

FIREMAN ARMSTRONG.

Injured:

CONDUCTOR JOE WOLFE.

ENGINEER WILL MYERS.

BRAKEMAN JNO. BRYANT.

This morning at 11:20 a fatal head-on collision occurred between Phelps and Dodge, on the south end, resulting in the death of Conductor Frank Austin and Fireman Armstrong, and the serious injury of Engineer Will Myers, Brakeman John Bryant and Conductor Joe Wolfe.

  But meager details could be had, as the Western Union wires were down, but it is learned the collision was between freight No. 51, south bound, and a light engine going north. It is also reported the freight had orders to meet this engine at Dodge, but from some cause failed to obey orders.

 Conductor Vinyard, on the north-bound World’s Fair Flyer, telegraphed to local conductors to arrange to meet the body of Conductor Austin, which will be brought in on that train.

 Conductor Austin lived on Lacy street, and leaves a wife and one child.

 Fireman Armstrong was a single man, and boarded at the Galveston House.

 It was impossible up to press hour to get further particulars of the injured.

 The wreck is reported a very serious one.

The Portal to Texas History has several follow-up articles.

The following is from the Seneca, Illinois newspaper.

The Marseilles Plaindealer, Marseilles, Friday, May 13, 1904 Vol XXVIII, No. 20 transcribed 23 Dec 2000 microfilm Barb Hanson

Engineer Armstrong Killed

  The remains of Clarence N. Armstrong were brought here Monday from Palestine, Texas, for burial. He was killed in a railroad wreck at that place May 5^th. It was a head end collision. Mr. Armstrong was engineer on one of the trains and he and another man was killed as of results of the accident.

 He is the brother of Mrs. Eugene Couch and Mrs. Roy Kilmer of this place. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and tof the Fireman also. They meet a representative, Mr. Briggs, with the remains. Service were held at the M.E. church, Monday at 2p.m. The remains were buried at Mount Hope Cemetery – Seneca – Record News.

Clarence is the uncle to my maternal grandmother.

I found this great website while researching for the newspapers regarding the train wreck. See the article on Examiner.com 'Genealogy resource: The Portal to Texas History website' for more information.

Sunday's Obituary - Armstrong, Catherine (1855-1914)

-->

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL. XXXII-NO. 10,726, Wednesday, march 11, 1914, pg 2

READING

  The remains of Mrs. Dume [Doom] Armstrong were laid to rest in Moon cemetery Tuesday afternoon. A number from here attended the funeral services.

Sunday's Obituary - Armstrong, D. H. (circa 1808-1879)

-->

Streator Free Press Weekly, Streator, Illinois

VOL. VI. NO. 28, Saturday, March 1, 1879, WHOLE NO. 288

NOTES.

D.H. Armstrong, of Gibson, county superintendent of schools for Ford county, died Tuesday evening of pneumonia, after a short illness. He was a young man but was esteemed a very efficient school officer.

Sunday's Obituary - Shuler, J. N. (1831-1902)

-->

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL. XXII – NO. 6700 Saturday, October 11, 1902 pg 1

IN OTTAWA 66 YEARS

Ottawa’s Oldest Citizen Arrived on October 10, 1836.

  Many of the older citizens of Ottawa have been here for a long term of years, but none so long as our fellow townsman, Mr. J.N. Shuler. Sixty-six years ago today he came to Ottawa with his father’s family from near Harrisburg, Pa. They came by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to LaSalle. From there the journey was by wagon to Ottawa. Says the Rep. Times.

  At the time of the arrival of Mr. Shuler the inhabitants of Ottawa were not very numerous. The houses on this side of the Illinois numbered only about a dozen and on the south side perhaps double that number. The business was all conducted on the south side, and at the time $18 was the price of a barrel of flour. On this side of the river the old barracks and log jail were situated at the site of the Fox River Hotel; the Mansion House – for years the leading hotel – was just being completed, and Mr. Shuler and his folks stopped there until the completion of their own home. The inhabitants all told numbered not more than 100.

  Even though many people feel that Ottawa has not developed nearly fast enough, there certainly have been many changes and much advancement during the period of Mr. Shuler’s citizenship.

Sunday's Obituary - Armstrong, Katherine Frances (1855-1914)

Armstrong, Katherine Frances, nee Koeppel (1855-1914)

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL. XXXII-NO. 10,718, Monday, March 2, 1914 pg 1

MRS. ARMSTRONG A CHRISTIAN LIFE

DIED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON-LEAVES HUSBAND AND EIGHT CHILDREN.

  Mrs. Katherine  Frances Koeppel Armstrong died at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon from a complication of diseases. The funeral services will be held at 2:30 o’clock tomorrow afternoon at the residence, 308 North Shabbona street and the remains will be buried in Moon cemetery.

  Mrs. Armstrong was born in Peoria and was 59 years old. She was united in marriage 35 years ago in Ottawa to Doom Armstrong. Surviving is the husband and eight children-Mrs. F.M. Frazier of St. Joseph, Mo.; Mrs. C.S. Ayers of Ottawa; Thomas, Elmer, Doom, Otto and Romayne at home. Also one sister, Mrs. Mary Ryster, and brothers, Chris, Joseph and Frank, all of Peoria, and one brother in Nebraska. Also eight grandchildren. After her marriage she came with her husband to reside permanently in this city.

  The decedent was a loyal, kind and devoted wife and mother and was loved and respected by all her neighbors and friends and lived a consistent and Christian life.

Sunday's Obituary - Armstrong, Earl (1913-1913)

-->

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL. XXXII-NO. 10,873. Monday, October 13, 1913 pg 5

LOCAL NEWS

-Earl the five months old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong died at their home at 7:30 yesterday morning at Reading. The child had been suffering from a severe cold which developed into pneumonia. The funeral will be held at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon at the house, interment in Moon cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary - Armstrong, Evelyn (1911-1913)

-->

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL. XXXII-NO. 10,783 Saturday, March 1, 1913 pg 1

ARMSTRONG BABY SEVERELY BURNED

ACCIDENT HAPPENED LATE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON WILL RECOVER.

  Evelyn, the fifteen months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dooma [Dume] Armstrong residing on East Bridge street was terribly burned late Thursday afternoon. Just how the little one’s clothes caught fire is not known. Mrs. Armstrong put the baby on the kitchen floor and while in another room, the clothes of the baby caught fire. When the mother reached the child the latter’s clothes were ablaze. Hastily picking her baby up Mrs. Armstrong ran from the house. This only aided the flames in burning the more fiercely. A neighbor seeing this and thinking Mrs. Armstrong was carrying a burning piece of clothing shouted to her to throw it in the snow. Obeying the command, Mrs. Armstrong put her baby in the snow. The flames were extinguished but the little one was badly burned. A doctor was called and the unfortunate child was hurried to the hospital.

  The fact that the baby was rolled in the snow made the effect of the burns doubly severe and at first it was thought that the recovery would be impossible. Reports from the hospital this morning are that the chances appear bright to save the life of the baby.

Streator Daily Free Press. Streator, Illinois

VOL.XXXII-NO. 10,784 March 1, 1913 pg 2

ARMSTRONG BABY DIES FROM BURNS

SUCCUMBED TO INJURIES SUSTAINED LAST THURSDAY AT HOME OF PARENTS.

  Evelyn, the sixteen months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doomdly [Dume] Armstrong died at about midnight on Saturday night as the result of injuries sustained from burns last Thursday. Owing to the nature of the cause of the death of the little one, a corner’s inquest was held. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

  The parents reside at 912 East Bridge street. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong formerly lived in Chicago, where the child was born October 29, 1911.

  The funeral services will be held at the residence at 2:30 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon and the remains will be buried in Riverview cemetery.

  The story is a sad one and was told in the Free Press of Saturday. Mrs. Armstrong had placed the baby on the kitchen floor and while in another room the clothes of the baby caught fire. When the mother reached the child the latter’s clothes were ablaze. Mrs. Armstrong ran with the child out of the house and succeeded in extinguishing the flames by placing the child in the snow on the advice of a neighbor, the neighbor thinking that the mother was carrying some burning rags.