Additional Biographies.

SAMUEL BAKER.

Samuel, eldest child of Nathaniel and Lydia (Tallmadge) Baker, was born at East Hampton, Suffolk County, L. I., October 2d, 1793. Died at Pompey, N.Y., Aug. 8, 1874.

The subject of this sketch, was the sixth in descent from Judge Thomas Baker, of East Hampton, L. I. It cannot be doubted that he received his training and character principally at the hands of his mother, Lydia Tallmadge. She was the daughter of one of the Deacons of Mr. Buel's church, of East Hampton, and was a woman of the greatest sweetness, simplicity, and yet strength of character. Deprived, as she was, for so many years of her life, of her hearing, and singularly retiring and modest in disposition, she was yet known throughout the town of Pompey, where so much of her life was spent, as ready for every good word and work.

In 1798, Mr. Nathaniel Baker and his family removed from East Hampton to Balston, Saratoga County. In 1806, they removed to Pompey. Deacon Baker used often to tell that as they drove into the village, coming from the Oriskaney reservation by the State road, leading from Cazenovia and Green's Corners, he saw the frame of the Academy standing gaunt and skeleton-like against the sky, as they drove past it. His father soon purchased the red building at the northwest corner of the green, which had been erected in part as

a store house for grain purchased, and also the farm which has been ever since in the possession of the family.

As the Academy in Pompey was still unendowed and unfinished, young Baker was compelled to seek his education elsewhere. He pursued a full course of study at the Academy in Clinton, finishing his studies there with the last class which was sent forth before its charter as "Hamilton College" took effect. Returning to Pompey in about 1812, he proposed to devote himself to the profession of the law. He entered the office of S. S. Baldwin, Esq., where he pursued the study of the law for more than two years. Either the study or the surroundings, however, proved not to his taste. About that time, Mr. Morris desired his assistance for a time in his store; and he left the law office apparently for a few weeks only, but as it proved, for a permanent occupation. After a clerkship of considerable length in the store, he became interested in it, and subsequently, sole proprietor of it; though he called to his assistance at various times, Mr. N. Andrews, Mr. L. B. Pitcher, &c., finally retiring from the business in 1841; having then, as it was said, been employed as a merchant longer than any other person in the County. On the 21st of Sept., 1819, he was married to Philena Hascall, fifth daughter of Joseph Hascall, of Pawlet, Vt., for forty years Deacon of the Baptist church, there. She died August 17th, 1842. On the 3d Dec., 1826, Mr. Baker and his wife became members of the Congregational church in Pompey. On the 26th April, 1840, he was chosen one of the Deacons of the church, and officiated as such till the time of his death, having been absent, it is believed, but a single communion service, and that only a few weeks before his death.

At a very early period Mr. Baker was chosen one of the trustees of Pompey Academy, and served for many years in that capacity, being usually one of the Prudential Committee. Deacon Baker was a man of affable spirit, of sound judgment, a kind husband, and loving father; a citizen faithful in every relation of life. His life was, in fact, iden

tified thoroughly with the church, of which he was for nearly 40 years one of the most laborious and useful members. He was, almost literally, never absent from his place in the prayer meeting and in the church. And no church could have a more thoroughly consistent or devoted member. He wore his religion as a daily garment. With him, christianity was not a theory, but a practical, heartfelt, daily experience. His whole nature was moulded by it, and his whole life was absorbed in it. It was at once his work, his life, and his joy. Most strictly conscientious, always pursuing the golden rule, it was not strange that no man should have aught to say against him. He who never spake ill of any one, might well enjoy the enviable distinction of having no one speak ill of him. The thoroughness of his conversion, reaching not only his moral nature, but extending to all his possessions, seemed to make it both easy and natural for him to live a truly christian life. This latter life was marked by no special exaltation or depression, but was calm, steadfast, consistent, faithful and always peaceful. His natural courtesy, his sterling good sense, and his equable temper, made him an admirable counsellor, a reliable friend, and a true peace maker. He married for his second wife Miss Eunice B. Birdseye, of Cornwall, Ct., who survives him. The children who survive him, (all of the first marriage,) are as follows:

1. Henry II. Baker, living in the homestead; 2. Catharine M., wife of Lucien Birdseye, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; 3. Tallmadge Baker, formerly a merchant in New York city, and now resident in South Norwalk, Ct.; 4. Mrs. Frances S., wife of Thomas Sherwood, Jr., of Kalamazoo, Mich.; 5. D. Kellogg Baker, merchant, of New York city; 6. James S. Baker, merchant, of New York city.

JESSE BUTLER.

Jesse Butler, son of Ebenezer Butler, Sen., was born in Bradford, Conn., Oct. 30, 1764.