Rev. Robert Baker

1753 - 6 Aug 1834

 

Andrew Monroe wrote the obituary of Rev. Robert Baker  who was a Methodist minister from Montgomery/Calloway County, Missouri .  Robert Baker  was a younger brother to Elder Andrew Baker  - a primitive Baptist minister from North Carolina and Lee County, Virginia.

   Another of the fathers has fallen asleep.  The Rev. Robert Baker  - a native of Virginia : who, when but a youth joined the struggle of the American Revolution.  Through all the dangers of war, he was preserved, except in the battle of Kings mountain, at which he received a severe wound.  After the conclusion of the war, he accompanied some of the enterprising emigrants to the west: and whenever necessary, he served in defense of the frontier settlements, against the encroachments of savage men.  He was held in the confidence and high esteem of the pioneers in Tennessee and Kentucky .

   Brother Baker was not satisfied with just sharing the honors of having gained his country's liberties,, and of having braved the dangers of the frontiers, but before he had reached the meridian of life, he sought and obtained that liberty which the Son of God alone can give, whilst the fire of Divine love was burning in his heart, he went a minister and inquired in to this matter.  The minister informed him that he had experienced a similar change when at college, but had never considered it his duty to make it known to his congregations.  At this, Brother Baker was much surprised: for such were his views and feelings, that he considered it his duty to publish what God had done for his soul, to all around him. He gave himself to prayer, and went on his lonely way, rejoicing in the love of Christ.

   When God pardoned his sins, he shouted.  Glory to God! And so strange was this sound, that the people thought him insane.  He be came acquainted with the then persecuted Methodists and united with them.  This was in the wilds of Tennessee .  A local preacher among the emigrants proposed to organize a class.  Brother Baker was the first to go forward: and according to his own account, he was the first man who joined the Methodist Episcopal church, west of the mountains.  But he could not rest here: "the love of Christ" soon "constrained him" to invite others to participation of gospel grace.  He was soon licensed to preach.  He was an acceptable preacher, and God gave him many seals to his ministry, in different parts of the west.  Brother Baker settled in Missouri , in 1818, where he had a new field of usefulness: nor did he fail to throw his mite to the utmost of his ability.  Although time had made some inroads upon his strength, his fine constitution and good health enabled him to labor considerably, and to be useful.

   In 1826, I saw this venerable servant of God: and I always esteemed it a privilege to be in his company.  He was always cheerful and happy: and although he live to see more than fourscore years, yet there was nothing childish in his conversation or manners.  He was, indeed, a ripe shock of corn.  Having his "loins girt about, and his light burning," he waited patiently the coming of the Lord: and when he could no longer preach, he would sometimes exhort and pray with uncommon fervency and power: and his address to the Divine throne indicated how near he lived to God.  Truly it was as one speaking to his friend.  He was beloved by all of his community, and will live long in the memory of the people of Montgomery and Calloway counties.  Some months previous to his death, he was seized with the disease which terminated his sufferings.  He had every kindness shown by his children, among whom he suffered and died.  As he had furnished a pattern of practical piety for more than half a century, so in his last illness, he furnished an illustrious example of patience and fortitude:  and as he shouted glory, when he first entered the spiritual kingdom.

   We have seen reason to believe, he shouted glory in heaven.  When he left this world.  For not withstanding, he had lost his speech for fifteen days previous to his death.  He gave satisfactory evidence that God was with him to bear his triumphant spirit home.  He calmly fell asleep in Jesus, on the 6 day of Aug., 1834.  God grant that his children, grand children, and aquaintances, may follow him as he followed Christ: saing, let me live the life of the righteous that I may die his death. [lxxxv]