THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE 
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, June 5, 1924

Tuesday morning saw the passing away of one of the early settlers and promoters of Florida, when death relieved the suffering of Mr. S. A. Baker who has been ill for the past six months in Seville and whose last request was to be taken to Flagler Beach.

Mr. Baker was born in Jefferson, South Carolina, April 3, 1863, and came to Florida forty years ago. Since that time he became prominent in the orange industry, owning extensive groves and running a sawmill and a planing mill for twenty-five years.

He was a charter member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges that were organized in Miami years ago. In 1921 Mr. Baker bought large holdings in Flagler Beach and owned the casino and garage and being an ardent sportsman, conceived the idea of building a fishing pier. Ill health forced his return to his groves, but at last his sportsman's nature called him to the beach to perfect arrangements for the completion of this project before passing away. Mr. Baker was an excellent fisherman and gained the reputation among the followers of Isaac Walton as one of the best caster’s in. the state and the pier will be a fitting memorial to one of the most enthusiastic and successful sportsmen in Florida.

In 1900, Mr. Baker married Miss Nellie McKenzie of Lake Helen, five children being left to mourn the loss with the mother and two children by a former marriage. One brother, T. J. Baker of Satsuma, and John of Jefferson, South Carolina. The children are Lizzie Cato of Satsuma; T. A. Baker of Seville; S. A., Frank, George, Winifred, and Albert at home.

Flagler Beach will feel keenly the loss of one of its most popular citizens, and one of the pioneers who have helped in the building of Florida; who loved its beaches and its orange groves and who wished to spend his last days in the place he loved best.

Funera1 of Mr. Baker was held at Seville on Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock and was attended by many of his friends from the beach.

DELAND SUN NEWS
DeLand, Florida
Saturday, June 7, 1924

Seville news item………. the funeral of Mr. Smiley Armstrong Baker, Sr., of Seville was held at his home Wed. 4 June 1924 at 3 o'clock. In spite of the rainy weather about three hundred friends and relatives were present. Services conducted by Rev. W. Wilkinson of Peniel, assisted by Rev. I. S. Murphy of Sanford.

Pallbearers were A. M. Flowers, J. D. Prevatt of Seville and George Moody and A. Dean of Flagler Beach.

About 75 cars followed the body to the cemetery. Rev. Wilkinson completed the services there after which a short impressive ceremony was held by the K. K. K. Order.  Mr. J. A. Allen, undertaker of DeLand and Mr. J. L. Robinson of Seville had full charge of arrangements.

Mr. Baker was born in South Carolina, March 3, 1858. He moved to Florida with his family about 1885 and settled at Satsuma, Florida. After living in Miami and Sisco for some years he settled at Seville in 1903 where he lived until his death, Monday morning June 2, 1924.

Mr. Baker was a man full of energy and ambition. He owns a considerable amount of property in Putnam, Volusia and Flagler counties. He began a large pier at Flagler Beach which will be completed at an early date.

He has a host of friends wherever he was known. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He united with the Baptist church in February 1924 after having been converted November previous …………

Mr. Baker leaves to mourn his loss, a loving wife, and 7 children. Two of the children, Thomas A. Baker of Seville and Mrs. W. L. Gato of Satsuma are by a former marriage and S. A. Jr., Frank, George, Winnifred and Albert. Two brothers, T. F. Baker of Satsuma, Fla. and John Baker of Jefferson, S.C. Five grand-children: Clarence, Victoria, Marie, Ethyle and Ruth Baker of Seville…......

Also published was a “Card of Thanks” signed by following:

Mrs. Nellie C. Baker
Mr. Thomas A. Baker
Mrs. Lizzie Cato
Mr. S. A. Baker, Jr.
Mr. Frank Baker
Mr. George Baker
Miss Winnifred Baker
Master Albert Baker Mr. J. F. Baker