"Portrait & Biographical Record of Portland & Vinc. Oregon." Chapman 
Publishing Company, 1903. 

B.F. BAKER. 

	The sudden and altogether unexpected death of B.F. BAKER at his home 
near Stafford, December 28, 1901, awakened in the minds of those who had 
passed his way during life a train of agreeable memories, born of his 
sincerity of purpose, resourcefulness, success, and high moral character. Born 
in Grayson county, Va., October 13, 1848, he was the son of Ira. N. and 
Theresa (RAMSEY) BAKER, natives respectively of Ashe county, N.C., and 
Virginia, and the former born in 1828.
	Ira N. BAKER is worthy of more than passing mention, and in his life 
time directed his energies into worthy channels, and influenced for progress 
and good all with whom he came in contact. From Grayson county, to which he 
had removed from Ashe county, N.C., he came to Oregon in 1875, settling in 
Lane county with his son B.F., in partnership with whom he bought three 
hundred and twenty acres of land, for which he paid $5,000. This property was 
finally sold to the Willamette Falls Electric Railway, now a branch of the 
Portland Electric Railway Company. Hence the town of Willamette Falls occupies 
the land formerly owned by this enterprising pioneer. In 1861 Ira N. BAKER 
enlisted in the Confederate army under General MARSHALL and served in the 
Kentucky campaign two years, afterward going over to the federal ranks, and 
becoming a soldier in the West Virginia State Guards. While fighting  in the 
Union army he began an association which perceptibly brightened his entire 
remaining life, and which proved a source of wonderful consolation and human 
companionship. The object of his long friendship was none other than H. 
BLANKENSHIP, between whom and himself sprang up a liking and sympathy destined 
to outlive the changes of forty years. This feeling was strenghened through 
the marriage of his daughter, Martha, and Mr. BLANKENSHIP, the latter of whom 
fought again during the war during General GARFIELD during the Kentucky 
campaign. At the home of his friend and son-in-law at Willamette Falls, Ore., 
Mr. BAKER passed his last days, dying August 31, 1902, a noble and beautiful 
friendship of forty years duration thus being indefinitely postponed.
	With very few exceptions B.F. BAKER remained with his father until 
they sold their place at Willamette Falls, and he then went to Forest Grove, 
Washington county. In 1892 he returned to Clackamas county and bought the 
CAMPBELL farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added by subsequent 
purchase, so that at the time of his death he owned five hundred and 
thirty-nine acres. A large portion of this land was improved by Mr. BAKER, and 
he built a beautiful residence and modern barn and outhouses. He was very 
progressive, and participated in whatever of growth and development was 
inaugurated in the community. At the age of seventeen Mr. BAKER enlisted in 
the Civil war, during which momentous struggle he started out in the 
Confederate army, but went over to the other side with his father. He was a 
Democrat in political affiliation, and in religion was a member of the 
Christian Church. 
	The splendid property bought and developed and left to his heirs is 
managed by the widow of Mr. BAKER, who is administratrix of his estate, and 
who has shown rare skill in continuing the progressive policy of her husband. 
Mrs. BAKER was formerly M.A. WEBB, daughter of Hanley WEBB, and was born in 
Davis county, Mo., December 22, 1853. Her father was born in Virginia, March 
29, 1824, and died August 7, 1888. He also was a courageous soldier in the 
Civil war, and served for three years and nine months in Company E, 
Twenty-ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Mr. WEBB came to Oregon on a visit 
to his daughter, and died here at the age of sixty-three years. His wife 
Elizabeth, was born in West Virginia, and of the six children in the family, 
Mrs. BAKER is the oldest. She was educated in the public schools, and her life 
was practically uneventful up to the time of her marriage, October 4, 1874. 
Her children are: Charles I., living at home; Elizabeth, the wife of W.T. 
HOFFMAN, of Monmouth, Ore.; Robert, living at home, and a graduate of the 
state normal; B.F., Belle, Laura, Fred and Gladys.

Submitted by: Holly Vonderhoe, (Pollywogh@aol.com)