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Listing: Monument erected to the memory
of Dr Isaiah James Baker, by public subscription in 1914. Local
historic interest and landmark. Locally Listed, approved November 2001.
Comment: This is a monument to one of those
Black Country doctors who devoted time and effort to the poor rather
than to making money out of the rich. The inscription on the
plinth reads:
Erected by public subscription to the memory of I.
J. Baker, L.R.C.S, L.M., of Hurst Hill.
He endeared himself to all who knew him by the
uprightness of his character, his sympathy with the suffering, and
especially by his kindness to the poor. To many in affliction he
was a spiritual adviser, and cheered the dying with his prayers, and
words of comfort.
By his good deeds, "He being dead yet speaketh".
The plinth also records Chas. R. Davis of Old Hill as the
sculptor.
The monument was struck by a vehicle in 2002 and severely
damaged. It appeared, for some while, that it would not be
restored. But heavy pressure by the local people on the local
authority produced a satisfactory result.
Isaiah Baker was born in Sedgley in 1850, the son of
William Baker, who was also a man much concerned with the welfare of
local people and a member of the school board. Isaiah trained
at Edinburgh , moved back to Sedgley, married a local girl,
Elizabeth A. Wright, and moved in to 24 Hurst Hill Street.
Later they lived at Holywell House, Hollywell Street. In his
medical practice he adjusted his fees to meet the means of the
patient, even to the extent of giving money to the poorest. He
died in 1912 and is buried at All Saints', Sedgley.
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