Clara Augusta Baker

Mrs. Clara Baker, Long Time Resident, Dies in Car Wreck

Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Baker, 88, long time resident of Niobrara county, were held in Manville Tuesday afternoon, interment being made in the Manville cemetery

Mrs. Baker died Friday, August 13, as the result of an automobile accident in which she incurred a fractured skull.

In company with her daughter, Mrs. Tom Harris, the ladies were coming from Denver to Manville when, about 7 miles south of Wheatland, on Highway 87, a rear tire blew out causing Mrs. Harris to lose control of the car, which rolled over twice as it left the highway. Both women were thrown from the car as it went over.

The accident happened near a ranch and two men hurried at once to the scene and rushed the women to the Wheatland Hospital, where Mrs. Harris is still confined. She was badly cut and bruised and suffering from severe shock. Mrs. Baker had incurred a very serious head injury and died about an hour after entering the hospital.

The car was almost completely demolished.

Mr. Harris was away from Denver when the accident happened and it was some time before he could be located. He came at once to Wheatland to be with his wife, who was unable to attend the funeral services of her mother.

As the Herald goes to press the obituary has not reached us, but we hope to print it next week.

Mrs. Baker was the sister of Addison A. Spaugh of Manville and a half sister of Mrs. Rosa Blair of Shawnee. She has lived in the Manville community for many years, where she was actively associated in the development of that part of the county, and was a highly respected citizen with a legion of friends.

A few years ago Mr. and Mrs. Harris moved to Denver to make their home and she accompanied them.

Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church of Manville Tuesday afternoon, August 17, with the Rev. Mr. Daughtee officiating.

The members of Mariposa Chapter gave the Eastern Star burial service at the grave.

The funeral arrangements were in charge of the Peet Mortuary of Lusk and the pallbearers were Robert Burhoop, Fred Kettler, L. C. Stoddard, Clint Dern, Carl W. Baughn and George Brooks.

A son, Bennie Baker, and wife of Baggs, Wyo., were present at the funeral services, as also were Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stotts of Rock Springs; Mr. and Mrs. Burke Baker of Laramie, and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nelson of Lance Creek. These three ladies are all granddaughters of Mrs. Baker.

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