Ruben Wright Baker

I have two old studio photographs belonging to the BAKER Family of Nebraska. The first is a photograph identified as Ruby W. BAKER which was taken at the McElhiney Studio in Nebraska City, NE. Ruby appears to be about 2-3 years old at the time the photograph was taken in the 1880's. I believe that this is a photograph of Reuben "Ruby" Wright BAKER.

The second photograph is one of George F. BAKER taken in the same studio at likely the same time in the 1880's. George is less than one year old at the time the photograph was taken. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information on these two boys and their family:

Ruben or Reuben “Ruby” Wright BAKER was b. 27 Jan 1885 in Wichita, KS to parents George Lansdon BAKER (1860-1935) and Ida Olive WRIGHT (1862-1900) who were married 23 Dec 1883 in Osawatomie, KS. Ruben was one of 10 children born to this couple including James Parkhurst or Parkest; Ruben or Reuben “Ruby” Wright; George Francis or Franklin or Frank; Grover Cleveland; Tommy; Vera; Ida Viola “Olive”; Walter Watkins; Harry Browning; and Arminda or Amanda “Minnie” Elizabeth BAKER, all born between 1882 and 1898.

Ruben’s mother was married previously and had an additional daughter, Edna Helena THOMPSON (1882-1957). Ruben married Rose “Rosie” or “Rosa” Ellen CARNAHAN or ANDERSON (1889-1944) on 5 Jun 1907 or 1908 in Sidney, NE and they had three children including Vernetta or Verneta Minnie; Rena or Rina; and Ida or Eda Ellen BAKER, all born between 1909 and 1914.

Ruben was a Union Pacific Locomotive Fireman who died 18 May 1921 in Cheyenne, WY and is buried in the Lakeview Cemetery in that town.

His brother George Frank BAKER was b. 22 Jul 1886 in Dunbar, NE to the same parents. George was married twice, first to Blanche Mathilda FITZWATER (1911-1980) on 24 Nov 1928 in Columbus, MT and they had a daughter Elsie Ellen BAKER (1930-2002). George’s second marriage was to Helen Regina BROUGH (1893-1981) on 6 Jan 1941 in Columbus, MT.

George died 13 Nov 1941 in Laramie County, WY and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Cody, WY.

I am hoping to see the photographs returned to family and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be.

Thanks,
Shelley