The Clarksburg Telegram., November 17, 1905
Excerpt–
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Ann Baker, who died at her home on the West Milford road Monday afternoon, took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon from her late residence. The burial was made at the I. O. O. F. cemetery, Rec. S. K. Arbuthnot, officiating.
IN MEMORIAM MARY ANN BAKER
The Clarksburg Telegram., November 24, 1905
The subject of this sketch was born near the city of Philadelphia, September 26, 1823, the third child of James and Anna Steel.
Her parents moved to Clarksburg, Virginia, about 1838 where for many years James Steel was proprietor of the Point Mill.
From her father this eldest daughter, Mary, inherited a commanding, graceful form, as well as the most lovable qualities of mind and temperament; on the maternal side, a charitable, generous heart and fervent, emotional spirit.
In the first blush of fair womanhood she was married to Edmond K. Stealey, a man of large means and sterling character. She bore him four sons and one daughter, three sons of whom survive her.
In 1853 Mr. Stealey died leaving her the management of a large estate, in addition to the care and reading of her young children. But strength and wisdom were given her from on High for all who know her history know how ably she administered the estate and good obedient children were the result of her Christian training.
Mrs. Mary Ann Baker
After some years of widowhood she married Mr. Isaac Baker, a genial gentleman of Winchester, Virginia. Their union was a happy one and of it were born two daughters. Mrs. Josiah Wilson, of Mexico, and Mrs. Nathan Musgrave, of this city.
The younger daughter, Mrs. Nathan Musgrave, has been with her mother for the past eighteen months doing all that loving hearts and hands could suggest to make her mother’s last days comfortable and peaceful.
The death of this amiable and excellent woman is deeply felt by a large circle of relatives and friends, for in all the various relations she sustained in life she was affectionate, tender and (—blank section—) And we shall often sign “for the touch of a vanished hand” and listen in vain “for the sound of a voice that is still.”
But the tear of sorrow is almost dried by the reflections that she lived the life and died the death of the righteous. And the minister of her dearly beloved church. Rev. S. K. Arbuthnot, wisely chose this text for his words at the burial service, a most appropriate one, “Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord.”
Soon After
Soon after coming to Virginia her attention was directed to the important concerns of religion and salvation. She presented to the gospel and embraced a rich soil for the growth and cultivation of every Christian principle. Mrs. Mary Ann Baker united with the Methodist Episcopal church soon after her conversion and was throughout her long useful life a most consistent member. She was indeed regarded as a mother in Israel, an ornament of the Christian faith, exemplifying in her life the duty it enjoins, and experiencing in the highest degree its heavenly joys and its cheering hopes.
In her last illness was patient and lovable as always. She was scarcely conscious of the approaching dissolution. She seemed to await the approach of death with perfect calmness. Her Redeemer had robbed it of its sting and made it a welcome messenger. Doubtless, “twas gain for her to die.” Doubtless she is now enjoying that rest “which remaineth for the people of God.”
“Precious shall be the memory of her virtues,
Sweet the savor of her name
And soft her deeping bed.”
