Edward Hammond Massey Baker was born February 8, 1827 in Swaffham, Norfolk, England and died April 10, 1908 in Guelph, Ontario. He married Caroline Helen Bridget Rolph of Amherstberg, Ontario in Ottawa on June 3, 1857. Caroline's father was Reverend Romaine Rolph, born May 7, 1794 at Thornbury, England, and who came to Canada when he was quite young. He received his education through Bishop John Strachan in York, and was ordained in Holy Orders as Deacon on October 10, 1819; Priest on Oct. 21, 1821; was the first missionary at Sandwich, Essex County; was Rector of Amherstburgh and afterwards of Queenston, Lincoln County. Caroline's mother was Margaret Stanton, who married her father April 22, 1823. Rev. Romaine Rolph died January 18, 1868 at Queenston, Ontario.
Reverend Romaine Rolph married first Margaret Stanton, and secondly Eliza Ann Brown, eldest daughter of Major Adam Brown. Eliza was born February 12, 1814 and died May 13, 1884. Rev. Romaine Rolph was married to Eliza Ann Brown on June 20, 1850. He was aged 56, and she was aged 36. They are buried at St. Mark's Church, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Also, their daughther Mary Regina Henrietta Rolph was born July 30, 1856, and died at Queenston on March 13, 1872.
Edward Hammond Massey Baker was buried Greenwood Cemetery in Brantford, Brant County, Ontario. The children of Edward and Caroline were: George William Stanton, born in 1859, died of typhoid fever in 1897; Godfrey Hugh Massey, born May 4, 1860 in Carleton Place, Canada West; Caroline Helen, born August 24, 1861 in Carleton Place; Sidney Code Doan, born February 26, 1864; Charles Herbert, born February 13, 1867 in Hillier, Canada West; Frederick Keble, born December 15, 1868, Hillier; and Edward Shenton, born May 13, 1876 in Tyendinaga, Ontario.
On the 1881 Census of Canada, for Tyendinaga, Hastings East, Ontario, Canada, E.H.M Baker, occupation clergyman, is 54 years old, origin Irish. Caroline Baker is 48, origin English. The children are: Willie, age 22; Massey, age 21; Caroline, age 18; Sidney, age 16, Charles, age 14, Frederick, age 12; and Shenton, age 5. All belong to the Church of England. All the children were born in Ontario.
The 1901 census reveals that the family was living at Puslinch in Wellington County, Ontario. Edward Hammond Massey Baker gave his birthdate as February 8, 1825, aged 76, born in England, came to Canada in 1832. His wife, Helen was born September 20 1835, aged 65. Also living in the household was son, Sidney C. D., aged 36, born February 26, 1865, occupation farmer, and son, Edward S., aged 24, born May 13, 1876, occupation farmer. A domestic named Henry Wyler lived with the family also.
Edward attended the General Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained a deacon July 3, 1853 at the Trinity Church, in New York and ordained a priest on January 14, 1855 in Burlington, New Jersey. His appointments were: 1853 to 1855, St. Mark's in Philadelphia, where he was curate; 1855 to 1859, Pembroke, Canada West, where he was incumbent; 1859 to 1863, Carleton Place, Canada West, where he was incumbent; 1863 to 1865, Stirling, Canada West, where he was missionary; 1865 to 1870, Hillier, Ontario, where he was missionary; 1870 to 1876, Carrying Place (Ameliasburg), Ontario, where he was rector; 1876 to 1885, Tyendinaga, Ontario, where he was incumbent; 1885 to 1887, Bearbrook, Ontario, where he was rector; and 1887 to 1897, Bath, Ontario, where he was rector. He was Rural Dean of Hastings and Prince Edward, Diocese of Ontario, from 1879 to 1887; Rural Dean of Lennox and Addington, Diocese of Ontario, from 1887 to 1897; Honorary Canon of St. George's Cathedral, Kingston, Ontario, from 1898 to 1908. His official retirement was in 1897.
Obituary of Edward Hammond Massey Baker
The Evening Mercury, Friday, April 10, 1908
The Sad Death of Rev. Canon Baker
A venerable patriarch of the Anglican Church Clergy, one of those few remaining personages who link with the past the present history of the Church of England, passed away at an early hour this morning, in the person of Reverend Canon Baker. Death occurred at the residence of his sons, Messrs. Baker Brothers, of Puslinch, with whom the deceased has resided for some time past. They reside on the old Anderson farm in the vicinity of Gourock.
Ordained in Philadelphia in 1853, the late Canon Baker had spent 55 years in the service of the Lord. The first charge of the young clergyman, after entering the service of the church was in the county of Renfrew along the Ottawa River. In those days that section of country was wild and unsettled, and the trials and tribulations of the young minister were many. In all these early days, he displayed a splendid spirit in his work, which did not go altogether unrewarded in later years; for eleven years ago the minister who thus first went through those unknown sections of the country, was made a Canon of the Church of England, a high and deserved honor.
During his long life in the church Canon Baker had charge of a large number of parishes in the different parts of the country, until about ten years, when with increasing age, he was unable to continue the duties connected with his last charge at Bath. He consequently retired. A short time later he left Bath, and came to this city with his wife to spend the remaining days here with his sons who had come to the vicinity a short time before, and who now conduct a well known stock farm in Puslinch.
Besides these two sons, Edward and Sidney, the deceased clergyman is survived by his aged wife, and by three other sons, Massey of Lindsay; F.K. Baker of this city; and Charles of McLeod, Alta.; and one daughter, Mrs. Roberts of Brantford. In their sad bereavement they have the deep sympathy of the citizens of this city generally, and especially those who are connected with St. James Church. Since coming to this vicinity, Canon Baker has been connected with the latter congregation, and, until failing health prevented, took part regularly in the services each Sunday.
Swaffham, England, was the birthplace of the late Canon, and there he spent his boyhood. His father was the late Capt. Baker of the British Army, who was given the appointment of postmaster of Bytown by the British Government.
The deceased clergyman was indeed a grand old man, and he quickly became the intimate friend of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. A firm believer in the book of God and in the laws of the church, which he so long served, he was of a kindly disposition, and it was with a feeling of general regret that the news of his death was today received throughout the city.
The married life of the late Canon and his beloved wife has been an unusually long and a particularly happy one, and it is only a few months ago that the family was happily reunited to mark the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day.
The Guelph Daily Mercury also reported, "Funeral of the Late Canon Baker. Arrangements have been made for the funeral of the late Canon Baker, which will take place on Monday morning from the residence of his son, Mr. F. K. Baker, Suffolk Street, to Brantford, where interment will take place on the arrival of the morning train. A special service will be conducted at St. James Church."
The Evening Mercury, Monday, April 13, 1908
Funeral Services Were Impressive
It was indeed a solemn and impressive service that was celebrated at St. James Church this morning in honor of the late Canon Baker before the remains were taken to Brantford, where interment took place.
There was a full surpliced choir of about forty members, and the church was filled with the friends of the deceased and members of the church. Amongst those present could be noticed a very large number of the older members of the congregation who came to pay their last respects to one who had been both a friend and pastor during the time he had been connected with the church.
The prominent position which the deceased held in the church, to which he had devoted his life's service, was also shown by the prominent members of the clergy who were present at the service from outside places, although the attendance was interfered with on account of the special services which are being held throughout the Anglican Church during the present week.
The church was decorated most fittingly for the occasion with palms and roses and lilies on the altar, while the channel was draped with purple in accordance with the wish of the deceased.
The body was carried into the church by the four sons of the deceased, the honorary pall bearers being Revs. Ashbury, Bolt, Davidson, Buckland, Dr. Bethune, and Canon Henderson.
While the procession was entering the church and proceeding up the aisle to the chancel, Rev. Canon Fornier, of Kingston, read the sentences. The 90th Psalm was chanted by the choir and the lesson read by Rev. G. F. Davidson from 1st Cor. 15; and 20 verse.
Prayers were offered by Rev. A. J. Belt of Milton, a former rector of the church, followed by a hymn, "Now the Laborer's Task is O'er". The choral celebration of the Holy Communion followed: Celebrant Rev. C. H. Buckland, Rev. Canon Fornier read the gospel followed by Hymn 477, "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended". While the people were receiving the communion, Hymn Number 537 "Peace, Perfect Peace" was sung. There were a large number of relatives from a distance present at the ceremony besides those living in the city.
Report of the Committee on Deceased Members, 1908:
The Committee on Deceased Members begs to report as follows: Rev. E. H. M. Baker
The Rev. E. H. M. Baker was born in Swaffham, near Norwich, in the county of Norfolk, England and in 1832 came to Canada with his parents. He was educated in the General Theological Seminary of New York, and in 1854 was ordained deacon by Bishop Wainwright in Trinity Church, New York, and was appointed assistant curate of St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia. In 1855 he was raised to the priesthood in Burlington, N.J., by the Right Rev. Bishop G. W. Doane. Shortly after he returned to his old home in Bytown (now Ottawa), and offered his services to the Right Rev. Dr. Strachan, sole bishop in the province, who gladly accepted them and appointed him to do missionary work in the county of Renfrew. Indeed that county was his mission district, and in those days a missionary's life was full of hardships and dangers. There were few bridges or highways, settlements had to be reached on horseback, and there were streams to be crossed as best might be, and settlers' log shanties afforded but the poorest accommodation and fare for a clerical visitor. However, Mr. Baker toiled on in these wilds, with Pembroke for his headquarters for five years. In 1863 the Diocese of Ontario was formed and Canon Baker was appointed to Carleton Place. Subsequently he was appointed successively to Hillier, Stirling, and Tyendinaga in which last charge he remained for ten years, and for a time extended his labors to Deseronto. His final charge in the diocese was Bath, where in 1887 he entered on his duties as rector of St. John's Church, the second oldest church in Canada. At or about this time, the bishop appointed Mr. Baker to be rural dean of Lennox and Addington. As rector of Bath, Canon Baker labored with zeal for the last ten years of his active ministry, and at his retirement, the bishop appointed him to be an honorary canon in St. George's Cathedral. In 1898 Canon Baker resigned his parish and moved to Springfield Farm, near Guelph, Ontario, where with his wife and two of his sons he made his home until his death. He breathed his last on Friday, April 10, 1908 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Guelph.
While Edward Hammond Massey Baker was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario, a monument was erected in his memory in Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph. Several family members are interred near the monument, in Block O of the cemetery.
Edward Hammond Massey Baker and Caroline Helen Bridget Rolph Baker had the following children:
George William Stanton Baker, known as Willie, was born 1859 and died of typhoid fever in 1897. He is remembered by the family by this inscription on the family monument at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph, Ontario. "Also their eldest son G. W. S. Baker Interred at Denver, Col. Aug. 21, 1897."
The following is taken from The Canadian Album: Men of Canada, Volume 5, published by Bradley-Garretson Company, Ltd., 1896, Brantford, Ontario, edited by J. Castell Hopkins. The career of G. H. M. Baker is detailed.
G. H. M. Baker, manager of the Lindsay Agency of the Rathbun Company, Lindsay, was born at Carleton Place, Ontario, May 4, 1863. He is the son of Rev. Rural Dean Edward Hammond Massey Baker and Caroline Helen Rolph. His father, who is a son of the late Capt. Baker, an officer of the Royal Artillery, and afterwards postmaster of Bytown (now Ottawa), Ontario, has been in the ministry about 28 years, and is now (1896) the esteemed Rector of St. John's Church, Bath, Ontario. He has also officiated and occupied clerical positions under the Rev. Dr. Dicks, of Holy Trinity Church, New York City. He received his education at a theological seminary in New York. Our subject's mother was a daughter of the late Dr. Rolph, of Cornwall, Ontario. Mr. Baker was educated at Trinity College School, Port Hope, with a view to entering Holy Orders, but owing to failing health was obliged to give up this purpose and turn his attention to outdoor work. After a short time he engaged with the Rathbun Company at Deseronto, where he started at the foot of the ladder of success in the lumber business. The position he now occupies in connection with this mammoth lumber firm shows the progress he has made. The Lindsay branch of this business has been developed under the management of Mr. Baker. He is a gentleman of broad views, a hard worker, and indefatigable in the performance of his duties. The success attending his management has done a great deal in developing Lindsay as a manufacturing and industrial centre. He is regarded as a shrewd and enterprising business man, a capable financier, and a highly esteemed citizen, who thoroughly enjoys the confidence of all classes of the community. Mr. Baker is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has held the office of Master of his lodge for three years, and is now Principal "Z" of the Royal Arch Chapter. In politics he is a staunch Conservative. He was married in January, 1893, to Clara, daughter of the late J.J. Carter of Picton, Ontario.
Godfrey Hugh Massey Baker, of Lindsay, Ontario married Clara Carter of Picton, Ontario on January 12, 1893. Clara was 19 at the time of her marriage, the daughter of James Carter and Catharine Carter. Witnesses to the marriage were S. C. D. Baker of Deseronto, and Annie Carter of Picton, Ontario.
The 1901 census reveals that Godfrey Hugh Massey Baker was born May 21, 1861, aged 39, and a resident of Lindsay, Ontario. His wife, Clara was born December 24, 1875 and was aged 25. A domestic named May Wellington lived with the family, as well as Clara's mother, Catherine Carter, a widow aged 50, born March 5, 1851.
The 1911 census reveals that Godfrey was the manager of a lumber company, and was aged 50, born May 1861, and his wife Clara was aged 36, born December, 1874. He was a resident of Lindsay, Ontario. An 18 year old domestic named Laura Brazil lived with the family.
Godfrey Hugh Massey Baker died, August 18, 1926. He was of One Russell Street North, Lindsay, Victoria County, Ontario. He was aged 64, married, a lumber merchant. His father was Edward H. Massey Baker who was born at Ottawa, and his mother was Helen Rolph, born in Morrisburg. Godfrey Hugh Massey Baker died of myocardial disease and failure, which was complicated by hyperthyroidism. The burial was August 20, 1926 at Riverside Cemetery, Lindsay, Ontario.
The following obituary was published in the Victoria Warder, August 19, 1926."G. H. M. Baker Passed Away Wednesday.The news of the sudden death of G. H. M. Baker on Wednesday afternoon came as a distinct shock to the whole community. The deceased seemed to be in his usual state of health until early in the week. Recently he had been busy at the Conservative Headquarters in connection with Mr. T. H. Stinson's campaign. During the first of the week he found it impossible to attend to his duties and passed away on Wednesday afternoon. In his death the community loses one of its most public spirited and highly respected citizens. For many years he was manager of the Rathbun Lumber Company in Lindsay and has always been identified with community enterprises. He served in the Lindsay town council and has been president of the Children's Aid Society for several years. He was always deeply interested in St. Paul's Anglican Church. During the last two years he has been Superintendent of the Sunday School and for a number of years has been an official delegate to the Synod. He frequently officiated as a lay preacher. His love for the church probably began very early in life, his father being a clergyman, stationed at Bath in the Kingston vicinity. The deceased gentleman was keenly interested in horticulture, and is a Past President of the Ontario Horticultural Society. He was also prominent in fraternal organizations, being a Past Master of A. F. and A. M. No. 77, and Past Grand Superintendent of Ontario District No. 10 Royal Arch Masons, and at the time of his decease, was Chaplain of Faithful Brethren Lodge A. F. and A. M. No. 77. He was also a member of L. O. L. No. 32 and of the Independent Order of Foresters. In politics he was a loyal Conservative and has always been identified with local campaigns. The late Mr. Baker was also an active member of the Rotary Club and the Lindsay Curling Club. The funeral under Masonic auspices will be held on Friday afternoon. The Warder joins with the community in extending sincere sympathy to Mrs. Baker, the brothers and sisters and other relatives who so suddenly have been bereaved."
Caroline was born August 24, 1862 at Carleton Place, Canada West. In 1881, Caroline was living with the family at Tyendinaga, Hastings East, Ontario. She was aged 18 at the time. She married William Lewis Roberts, born 1860 and died 1920. They were married about 1885. At the time of the 1901 census, William Roberts was aged 41, born February 22, 1860, a merchant living in Melancthon, Grey County. Caroline Helen Roberts was aged 39, born August 24, 1862. Their children were all living at home with the parents. A domestic was also living with the family. By the time of the 1911 census, William L. Roberts was aged 50, born February, 1861, living with his wife Caroline Helen Roberts, and two of the children. Winifred Louise was aged 22, born April, 1889. Beatrice Clare was aged 19, born July, 1891. The family was living at 159 Brant Ave, Brantford. Caroline Roberts died August 18, 1927 in St. Catharines Ontario, and was buried on August 20, 1927 in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario. William L. Roberts died 1920.
Caroline Helen Baker and William Lewis Roberts had the following children:
Caroline Helen Mabell Roberts was born Oct 1, 1885 in Horning's Mills, Dufferin County, Ontario. At the time of the 1901 census, Caroline H. M. Roberts was aged 15, born Oct 1, 1885, and living with her family at Melancthon, Grey County. She married Alan Follist Robertson on July 10, 1910 in Brantford, Ontario.
Mary Mabella Roberts was born March 19, 1887 and at the 1901 census, she was aged 13, living with the family at Melancthon, Grey County.
Winifred Louisa Roberts was born April 10, 1888 in Horning's Mills, Dufferin County, Ontario. Her birth was registered late in 1930 and the informant was Sidney C. D. Baker, brother of Caroline Helen Roberts. At the time of the 1901 census, she was aged 12, born April 10, 1888, and living with the family at Melancthon, Grey County. At the time of the 1911 census, Winifred Louisa was aged 22, born April, 1889, and living with her parents in Brantford, Ontario.
Edward Lewis Roberts was born Jan 7 or 8, 1890 in Horning's Mills, Ontario. At the time of the 1901 census, he was aged 11, born January 7, 1890, and living with the family at Melancthon, Grey County. He died January, 1906 in Horning's Mills at the age of 16. He was buried January 29, 1906 with his parents at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario. The inscription on his monument reads, "Our Darling, Edward Lewis Charles Roberts, only beloved son of W. L. and C. H. Roberts, Died Jan 22, 1906, aged 16 years."
Beatrice Clara was born July 24, 1891 in Horning's Mills, Ontario. At the time of the 1901 census, she was aged 8, born July 24, 1892, and living with her family at Melancthon, Grey County. At the time of the 1911 census, Beatrice was living with her parents in Brantford, aged 19. Beatrice Clare Roberts married Harold Paul Morton who was born 1887. She was interred in the family plot at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario, on March 24, 1972. Also interred in the same grave, is Harold Paul Morton, who at age 83, was cremated and interred on August 20, 1971. Another inscription on the grave reads "Joan Helen Morton Ashcroft 1925." Below the names inscribed on this monument is the following, "My god, my father while I stray, Far from my home in life's dark days. Oh, teach me from my heart to say, Thy will be done."
Sydney Code Doan Baker was born February 26, 1865. At the time of the 1881 census, he was aged 16, living with the family at Tyendianga, Hastings East, Ontario. By the 1901 census, Sidney was aged 36, living with his parents at Puslinch in Wellington County and working as a farmer. He married widow Jeannie S. Farquhar (born Sinclair) on June 21, 1919 in Guelph, Ontario. He died 1942. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph, Ontario. The inscription on the family monument reads, "Sidney C. D. Baker Born 1864, Died 1942."
Charles Herbert Baker was born February 13, 1867 at Hillier, Canada West. At the time of the 1881 census, he was aged 14, living with the family at Tyendianga, Hastings East, Ontario. Charles Herbert Baker was with the Northwest Mounted Police in Fort Macleod, Alberta from April, 1885 to April 1890. He married Ethel Jane McClement in 1895 at Macleod, Alberta. At the time of the 1901 census, Charles was living in Macleod, Alberta, married, aged 33, with the occupation of general merchant. His wife, Ethel J. Baker is aged 28, born June 21, 1872. Charles stated that he was from the U.S. and came to Canada in 1868. Three sons and a daughter lived with the family. Charles died May 19, 1950 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, B.C.
Charles Herbert Baker and Ethel Jane Baker had the following children:
Thomas M. Baker was born September 25, 1896 at Macleod, Alberta.
William Edward Baker was born September 23, 1897 at Macleod, Alberta. He died September, 1980. Dr. William Edward Baker married firstly Audrey McKechnie and had two sons. One son, J. Richard ("Dick") William Baker (1931-1999) married Lorna Calderwood and had four children; Susan Margaret Baker born 1958, Stephen Richard Baker born 1960, Jeffrey James Baker born 1964, and Hugh William Baker born 1969. Another son of Dr. William Edward Baker and Audrey McKechnie was Colin McKechnie Baker, born 1935, who married Carolyn Healy, and had three children; Jamie William Alexander Baker born 1967, Robson McKechnie Baker born 1969, and Ryan Baker born 1972. Dr. William Edward Baker married secondly in 1964 Mary Allison Baker (born Hough) 1898-1992 after the death of first husband Edwin Godfrey Phipps Baker (1885-1963). Edwin Godfrey Phipps Baker and Dr. William Edward Baker were second cousins.
Sidney Charles Baker was born March 3, 1899 at Macleod, Alberta.
Katherine Baker was born November, 1901 at Macleod, Alberta.
Frederick Keble Baker was born December 15, 1868 at Hillier, Ontario, and died March 1, 1855, at Guelph, Ontario. At the time of the 1881 census, he was aged 12, living with the family at Tyendianga, Hastings East, Ontario. He married Lillian Bell Smith on February 19, 1898 in Toronto, Ontario. Lillian Bell Smith was the daughter of Robert McDowell Smith, born September 21, 1834 at North Fredericksburgh, Ontario, and his wife, Emma Lister Rogers, born about 1840 in Bath, Ontario. They had one child, Florence Helen Massey Baker who was born March 6, 1901 in Guelph, Ontario. At the 1901 census, Frederick Keble Baker was living in Guelph, Ontario. He gave his birthdate as December 15, 1869, and was aged 31. His wife, Lilian B. Baker was born June 19, 1873. Their daughter Florence M. was born March 6, 1901. Lilian's sister, Harriett Nial Smith, born June 20, 1870, was living with the family at the time. Harriett was a registered nurse who never married. Florence Baker married John James Chisholm, born 1899. Florence was living in Toronto in 1953 when she filed a late birth registration on herself.
The family of Frederick Keble Baker is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph, Ontario. The inscriptions are as follows: On one side of the monument for E. H. M. Baker, "Frederick K. Baker Born 1868, Died 1955." Behind the main monument, grey granite markers in a row: "In Loving Memory of Lillian Bell Wife of Frederick K. Baker 1873 - 1951." Lillian Bell Smith died June 21, 1951 at Guelph, Ontario. "In Loving Memory of Florence Massey Baker Beloved Wife of John J. Chisholm 1901 - 1962." "In Loving Memory of John James Chisholm Beloved Husband of Florence M. Baker 1899 - 1983." "In Loving Memory of Frederick Keble Baker 1868 - 1955." "In Loving Memory of Harriet Nial Smith Sister of Lillian Baker 1871 - 1957."
Edward Shenton Baker was born May 13, 1876 at Tyendinaga, Ontario. At the time of the 1881 census, he was aged 5. By 1901, Edward S. was living with his parents at Puslinch, Wellington County, aged 24, with occupation of farmer. In 1911, Edward was living at Puslinch, Wellington County, single, aged 33. He was living with his widowed mother, Helen Baker, aged 71, and a niece Mabel Roberts, aged 25. A domestic named John Brandon lived with the family. Edward married Evelyn Amelia Spaulding, born 1898. In 1922, Edward was a resident of Guelph, and he is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph, Ontario. On one side of the monument for E. H. M. Baker, is inscribed; "Edward S. Baker Born 1875, Died 1957." Also a pink granite marker nearby is inscribed "BAKER Edward S. 1875 - 1957 Evelyn A. 1898 - 1990."
Inscribed on the family monument at Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph, Ontario, is the name of another descendant of Edward Hammond Massey Baker, Ken T. Baker 1921-2000.
Click here to return to the Baker main page.