O. W. Baker
DEATH HAS CLAIMED O. W. BAKER
A BRIEF ILLNESS TERMINATED AT SANITARIUM TODAY
HAD BEEN ILL THIRTY-SIX HOURS, SUFFERING FROM
ACUTE MENINGITIS
Deceased was a Bartender at the Elk Cafe for Many Years-
Funeral Arrangements Not Yet Made
The Eagle lodge of this city, has again been visited by the reaper death, and in this instance as in the four previous deaths in the lodge since its organization last spring, the visit of the grim reaper was sudden and was unexpected by all except the victim. The name now to be added to the roster of departed brothers is Oliver W. Baker, who was one of the most widely known bartenders in the city. He passed away at the LaBelle Sanitarium on South Main Street at about 11 o'clock today, death terminating an illness of short duration.
The illness of the deceased began with an attack of laryngitis throat trouble about two weeks ago, but he remained at his post of duty at the Elk cafe until Tuesday evening when his illness assumed a severe stage and he was persuaded to go to the sanitarium. Acute meningitis developed and death resulted thirty-six hours later.
Before leaving his place at the Elk, Mr. Baker seemed to realize that he was going to die, and stated to some of his friends that he wanted Messrs. Walter B. Richie, John Amstutz, Bates Bowersock, Hayes Baker, George Fetter, and Aaron Statez to be the pall bearers at his funeral.
The deceased was 38 years of age and was a life long resident of Allen county. He was a son of Hon. Michael L. Baker, ex-member of the Ohio state legislature from this county, now residing at Harrold. For many years the deceased was chief bartender at the Lima House, and after that hostelry was sold by its former proprietors, Goldsmith and Kuhn, he took a position at the Elk. He was well known and was generally popular. His wife died a number of years ago. He is survived by his father, two brothers - Lew Baker, of Perry township, this county, and Wm. Baker, residing in California - and several sisters, one of whom is the wife of Gus Sontag, residing in Findlay, and Mrs. Shook, of German township.
Mr. Baker, like his father, was active in local political circles, and was a lifelong democrat.
The remains have been taken to Jones & Williams' parlors to await the arrival of the deceased relatives. No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.
The members of Lima Arie No. Two will meet in special session at 7 o'clock this evening to make arrangements for the funeral.
Source: Obituary, 18 Feb. 1904, The Lima Times Democrat, Lima, OH, p. 8.