USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 77
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(1) Giles, Jr., born Mch. 28, 1845; married Alice Woodward. This is Judge Giles Cook of Front Royal, president of Front Royal Nat. Bank. Judge Cook is Ruling Elder in the Presb. Church. He is well known in his church courts for his sound judgment and unvarying integrity. The writer values the warm friendship that has al- ways existed between Giles Cook and himself. He entered the Army a mere boy; but his ser- vice during the trying days of 1862-65, made him a conspicuous hero.
George Wythe, second son of Giles, Sr., born Oct. 28, 1846, mar. Rebecca Lloyd of Alexan- dria. This line is in Washington. He is the well known Dr. Wythe Cook of that city.
Henry Lane, 3d son of Giles, Sr., born Aug. 30th, 1850, married Alice Slemmer.
Martha, 4th child of Giles, Sr., born May 11, 1852, married Dr. W. S. Roy.
Mary, 5th child of Giles, Sr., born March 3, 1854, married C. A. Macatee. He was Clerk of Courts for Warren County for several years.
The writer regrets his inability to give names of the grandchildren of Mr. Giles Cook, no lists having arrived. Nannie, dau. of Betsy Baker and William Cook, married James Beale, surviving this husband. Her children were Bertie, Giles and Josephine. The latter married Capt. Joseph McK. Kennerly of Greenway Court. Mrs. Nan- nie Beale married 2nd time Garland T. Wheat- ley; they had one dau. Nannie, who died in Memphis with yellow fever in 1878.
Sarah, dau. of Betsey Baker and Wm. Cook, married Garland T. Wheatley-no children.
Martha, dau. of Betsey Baker and Wm. Cook, born Mch. 11, 1816, died Apl. 1, 1893; married James W. Mason; they had 6 children : (1) Laura mar. Wm. T. Morrill; both died with-
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CARTMELL'S HISTORY
out children; (2) George, mar. Fannie Lewis; (3) Gertrude, unmarried; (4) Joseph, mar. Ger- trude Carr of W. Va .; (5) Douglas, married Lula Clark, of Dermopolis, Ala; lived in Philada .; (6) Florence, mar. Benjamin T. Fendell, civil engineer, of Balto.
Samuel, son of Betsey Baker and Wm. Cook, Born Oct. 10, 1818; died Oct. 29, 1893; they had only one child, Evelyn Cook. This branch is mentioned in sketch of Willow Brook.
A word may properly be added in this con- nection, relating to the progenitor of William Cook, the subject of this sketch. William was born Feby. 1, 1768; he was the son of Giles Cook, Jr., who removed from Gloucester Coun- ty, Va., to Old Frederick County and settled near Charlestown (now) Jefferson County. This was previous to the birth of this son William, who lived at Willow Brook from 1810 until his death Apl. 22, 1843. He was presiding Jus- tice of the Old County at one time, and by vir- tue of his seniority in office, was also High Sheriff. Was Quartermaster for Genl. Morgan during the Whiskey War in Penna., 1794. His widow Betsey (Baker) died in 1866, 83 years old, at Willow Brook, where she had lived for nearly sixty years.
The Baker Family, originally the German Baechter Family.
This family had for its founder in the Shen- andoah Valley Heinrich Baechter. This name was always signed by him in German. Scribes who wrote from their knowledge of the lan- guage, caused the name to appear differently in authography, but not materially. Thus we have the name Bechter, Bechther. Beekter, Bacher- all relating to the same person. The sons of the founder adopted the simpler way of dispos- ing of this confusion of sounds, and wrote the . names Baker. The old emigrant had one branch of his family to adhere strictly to the old style Baecher for many years. This branch was known as the Hillary W. Baker family in North- west part of the County. The family history of the family says Henry Baker was born in Germany in 1731; came to this country about 1755, and married Maria E. Fink in Winchester 1759, and died in Winchester, 1807. His sons were Henry W., Joseph, Isaac, John, Abraham, Jacob and one daughter, Elizabeth; and it is assumed by tradition in this family that he was the first of his German family to settle in Fred- erick County. The writer submits, however, a few brief facts which conflict with old his- tory: First, we find that John Nichos Baker was living on his own plantation in Frederick County prior to 1755; his will probated in 1762, written in Dutch as the translator states in his
deposition-mentions his second wife and her sons who are of age, Melchior, John N. and Philip. In one recital he says his children by his first wife are provided for by the legacy they will receive from Germany; mentions sev- eral tracts of land near the North Mountain. The writer was led to think at one time this was the family that settled on the South Branch, the family names being similar; but upon reflec- tion, this could have hardly been true, for the Hampshire County Court would have been the court to probate his will in 1762. Then, again, we find Joshua Baker in Frederick County in 1764, on his land at the North of Warm Spring. His will mentions one son, Joshua. And some will enquire who was that brilliant lawyer in active practice in Berkeley County about 1800, and the fearless Federalist in 1810, and elected to Congress upon his well known principles, where he made a record for his activity, 1812. This was John Baker. The writer associates him with the James Baker English family. It must not be expected for this volume to em- brace full tracings of this numerous family; in- deed, it would be a prodigious task to follow Heinrich Baechter and his seven children through the mazes of as many generations. Some of the branches springing from the old tree planted in Winchester in 1755 are unable to give definite data; therefore we lose much of this family history that should be preserved. The large family in Winchester, familiarly known as the Jacob Baker family has been so prominently be- fore the public in a business and social way, that their history is well known to many who may chance to see this volume. The writer has always enjoyed the friendship of this family, and feels that he must add a word, not, however, to give a connected line of descent, nor even a brief sketch of the splendid men and women of this family. Mr. Jacob Baker, the head of this family, was a grandson of Heinrich Baechter, the emigrant, and son of Henry W., who was born in Winchester in 1760. Jacob was born in Frederick, Md., in 1789, the former home of his mother, Catherine Miller. It has been shown elsewhere that he served as Quartermaster in the War of 1812. He married Catherine B. Streit, dau. of Rev. Christian Streit, in 1814; became a partner with his father in business on Main Street, succeeding his father at his death. He then began the great general business which he and his sons and their sons have maintained well into the 20th Century, thus covering periods of three centuries. The large family referred to consisted of eight sons and six daughters : Henry S., William B., Camillus S., Augustus (died in infancy), Geo. P., Jacob E., Robert M., Chris- tian S., Susan C., Harriet E., Mary Virginia,
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Julia E., Emma F. (died at age of 13 years), and Portia B. About 1837, Mr. Baker changed his place of business and opened a large whole- sale and retail house near the W. & P. R. R. depot, being virtually the site of the present wholesale establishment of W. H. Baker. In the new enterprise he had as partner his brother, George Baker, amassing a handsome fortune, he retired from the active part of the large busi- ness about 1850, and looked to his sons to maintain its reputation. The three sons: Henry S., Wm. B., Camillus S. Baker and his son-in- law, Oliver Brown, successfully continued the business for many years. The Civil War wrought havoc among the business men of the town. The old building, badly damaged by fire, was unfit for use at the close of the War, when the three sons gathered courage from their venerable father and started the business in a small way in the house now occupied by Miss Portia Baker. Mar- vellous success crowned every effort they made. The writer recalls an incident in a conversation he had with Mr. Jacob Baker on the first day's opening of the new store. Mr. Baker asked him to look at the large stock and form some idea of the capital required to start the business. He then said : Every article was purchased on credit. We had no money to make a start; and on my suggestion Pully (his son William) went to Balti- more to see the old business men with whom he had formerly dealt, and see what could be done to renew business on a small scale. Baltimore firms volunteered to supply all that was required, and what you see now we expect to pay for as we reduce the stock, saving to each firm a percentage of their several lines." This incident is one of many that could be mentioned to show the integ- rity of the father and sons as they stood in the business world. Mr. Baker lived to see Baker & Company re-established in the large property they now occupy, he having rebuilt and added warehouses, etc., for their accommodation. He died March 10, 1874, aged 84 years.
Henry S. Baker, the son, was born 1814, mar- ried Catherine Price in 1840 (died in 1851), and in 1858 he married Aletta W. Hunt. They are survived by two sons and two daughters, Mayor Harry H. Baker of Winchester, and Dr. Robert Baker of Washington, D. C., Mrs. Robt. T. Bar- ton and Miss Lilly Baker. Mr. Baker lived to see his son H. H. Baker and his nephews, suc- cessors of the old firm.
William B. Baker, son of Jacob, was born 1818; married Elizabeth Mantz, of Frederick, Md., in 1842. She and their five children survive him. Wm. H. Baker, one of the successors of the old firm, is the proprietor of the Wm. H. Baker Chocolate manufactory, located in New York State; owns the Baker & Co. wholesale estab-
lishment, having purchased Harry H. Baker's ın- terests several years ago. His two brothers, Al- bert and Alexander M. Baker, succeeded their father as owners and operators of the large Steam Flouring Mill established by him in 1872, near the old warehouse. This is known by the firm name of W. B. Baker Sons. Wm. H. Baker married Miss Ginn; they have 4 sons and several grand- children. Alexander M. married Miss Gilkeson; they have a daughter Virginia. Albert is un- married.
Camillus S. Baker, the other son referred to as a member of the firm organized in 1850, was born in 1822, and carries his 86 years with a light step; enjoys good health, and social inter- course with his host of friends. He married Miss Annie E. Gaither of Frederick, Md., in 1849. They have four daughters.
The family record of Mr. Jacob Baker's fam- ily, enables the writer to embody the following brief memoranda in this sketch. The same ap- pears in Norris' History, in relation to those not so fully mentioned. The two sons, Geo. P., and Christian S. Baker, together with W. B. Baker, established a general business in Martins- burg in 1856, and in Staunton in 1866. In 1869, Geo. P. and Christian S. succeeded to the busi- ness. Geo. P. was born in 1828; married Miss Lyle McCleary in 1861, and in 1868 married Hat- tie Cook. By the latter he had seven children. Christian S. was married in 1867 to Fannie Bay- lor, and had three children. Jacob. E. Baker was born in 1828; was a twin brother of Geo. P. He lived on a fine farm West of Winches- ter, being part of the original tract purchased by Heinrich the emigrant; married in 1867 to Mary Ellen Miller. She and her six daughters and one son survive him, he having died in 1907. His son Jacob married Miss Mary Willis, and resides in Winchester. Robert M. Baker was born in 1834; became a minister in the Episco- pal Church, married Louisa F. Davidson in 1862; his widow and eight children survived him. He died in 1883, while Rector of a Church in George- town, D. C. Susan C. married Oliver M. Brown in 1836, and died in 1850; seven children sur- vived the parents; a son, J. Few Brown, is as- sistant cashier of Shen. Valley Bank in Win- chester. One daughter married Rev. Mr. Smith, a Lutheran minister, one married Mr. Kagey. Miss Fannie Brown and sisters live in Win- chester.
Harriet E., another daughter of Jacob Baker, married Henry M. Brent in 1848; died in 1873; had one child; parents and child long since dead. Mary Virginia married Rev. C. P. Krauth, D.D., in 1855. A son became a minister in the Lutheran Church. Julia E. married A. McK. Boyd in
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1857; she died in 1859, leaving two children. Miss Portia B. Baker, the youngest daughter, resides in Winchester, Va.
Joseph Baker, son of Heinrich Baechter, was born June 14, 1762, at Winchester. He was twice married; first wife Miss Sarah Weaver, daughter of a pioneer who owned a large prop- erty and kept a well-known tavern situated on the old Braddock Road near the old Homestead of Joseph Baker. She was the mother of five children, viz: B. Franklin, Stern, Clarissa, Isa- binda and Juliet. One of the daughters became the wife of Thomas Philips a merchant of Win- chester. Rebecca, the 2nd wife of Joseph Baker, was a daughter of Robert Lockhart of Back Creek Valley. His children by Rebecca Lockhart were Robert L., Caroline, Rebecca, Edwin S. and Alcinda. About 1810 he settled on a large tract of land about 3 miles N. W. from Winchester, which has been known for three-fourths of a century as the farms of Col. Robt. L. and Edwin S. Baker. Joseph and his two sons spent their entire lives on these splendid homesteads. Jo- seph died in 1833, and was laid to rest in a tomb of his own design and making. The huge stones used in the foundation, walls and cap- stone of this rude mausoleum, suggest to the spectator, that its occupant had dreams of eter- nal durability, while completing the massive walls of this unique structure. But we find now, after the lapse of 75 years only, that what was re- garded then as imperishable, shows marks of grad- ual ruin. Another cycle of time may find the old monument a confused mass, with the great stones tumbled in upon the dust of the eccentric old ancestor.
Robert L., son of Joseph, married his cousin, Julia A. Baker: three children by this union : Scott (died when young), M. Catherine and Roberta. Col. Baker, as he was always called, lived and died at the old homestead occupied by his father. As shown elsewhere, he was in the Genl. Assembly of Virginia, president of the old Farmers Bank for many years, president of the old Agricultural Society prior to the Civil War; was a man of affairs generally, successful in his pursuits. He was regarded as one of the wealthiest farmers in the county; once owned the farms owned by Scott Grant, the site of the Kernstown R. R. station, the Stayman farm now occupied by Jacob Crisman. On this farm he grazed large herds of cattle, and indulged his taste for handling well-bred short-horns. Col. Baker's oldest daughter married Genl. Robert L. Wright of Loudoun County, in 1858. She is now known as Mrs. Kate Wright, and resides in the old homestead. She inherited part of this property, and removed from Loudoun County after her father's death in 1871. Her husband
had died in 1865. She and her four young chil- dren met with all the trials incident to the War and Reconstruction periods. Her loss of property, while great, was small compared with the loss of father and husband. She very successfully com- batted changed conditions. Two of her sons married and left Frederick County. Robert B. lived on his father's farm in Loudoun County for a number of years. J. Carter married Miss Barnewell of Alabama, and resides in that State. Miss Julia B. and Arthur S. continue to live with their mother, whose gentle influence has been enjoyed by them, making a home valued by mother and children. Arthur S. is an enterpris- ing farmer, inherits from his grandfather the taste and skill for handling high grades of stock, and has been an active member of the Board of Directors of the Shen. Valley Agri. Society for many years. Col. Baker's other daughter mar- ried Doct. Wortham, both dead-likewise his son, Scott Baker.
Edwin S. Baker, son of Joseph, was born in 1816, at the old homestead four miles N. W. from Winchester; was married in 1845 to Mar- tha A., daughter of William Wood, whose home was near Pughtown. By this union three chil- dren were born: Selina G., who became the wife of Capt. John Glaize; both were survived by sons and daughters.
Julian W. oldest son of Edwin S., married Miss Kate Stump, of Hampshire County, W. Va. Their children are Lelia, now the widow of Dr. J. E. Janney, Julian W., Jr., now Deputy County Clerk of Frederick County, Edwin S., Frank W. and Wm. Wood.
Julian W. the father, owns the homestead of his father, and is a prosperous farmer. He and his wife enjoy life in their comfortable home noted for its genuine hospitality. They have hosts of friends. Mr. Baker is Superintendent and Treasurer of the North Frederick Turnpike, member of the Board of Directors of the Shen. Val. Agr. Society, and a Democrat from prin- ciple.
Thomas B., the other son of Edwin S., mar- ried Miss Stine, dau. of Isaac Stine; his widow and daughter survive him; he died in 1889. He was county surveyor, succeeding his father.
Edwin S. Baker was a remarkable man in many ways. Having had a first-class academic education, and being a man of unusual mental capacity, he gradually imbibed much useful knowl- edge; his intelligence on many subjects was un- surpassed. He was regarded as an authority on matters of importance. Being a county surveyor for twenty-eight years, he possessed a thorough knowledge of the topography and people of the county. In 1851, Mr. Baker was a member of the House of Delegates. It has been stated that
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
he was a Republican in politics when the War closed. This needs an explanation. Mr. Baker was an old time Democrat, voted with his party, and was Chairman of the Democratic Execu- tive Committee until 1880. During Gov. Holli- day's term, 1880-81, the Virginia Debt question was becoming serious; the Readjuster movement started with Genl. Mahone as leader, a new party came to the front. This was known as the Readjuster-Democratic party. Mr. Baker was in sympathy with this movement, and gave his large influence. He was berated by indiscreet would-be leaders of the regular Democratic party, until his proud spirit was driven to seek redress. He lived to see the day when many of his views were adopted as compromise measures; but in doing this, he was affiliated with the Republican party; and the writer can say that this old Jef- fersonian Democrat deplored the necessity of the break between partizan friends, and never en- joyed being called a Republican. He had no objections to the term Readjuster Democrat. The daughters never married. Miss Alcinda died many years prior to Miss Rebecca's death, which came in old age.
George W. Baker, son of Henry W. and grand- son of the emigrant, was born in 1800; was a merchant on Main Street, until he and his brother Jacob established the large business referred to in this connection. He married Emily S. Streit, Jan. 15, 1829. She was born June 16, 1809. They had the following children: Camillus W., married Miss Baugher-no children. Fannie E., became the wife of Edwin S. Brent-no children. Virginia, mar. James H. Thompson, children : Mary H., married John F. Sowers; Emilie S., married Chas. H. Gibbs.
Emily C. married Rev. L. M. Siebole-no chil- dren. Emily S., died Jany. 17, 1843.
George W. Baker married second wife Sarah Hartman Dec. 14, 1843, and had children by this marriage: William H., married Mary R. Pierce of N. C., children Sarah R., married Thos. J. Holt, of Ga., children Norma, Mary R., Sara B., and Harrietta. Louisa P. married Wm. W. Glass. Mary P. Baker unmarried.
Franck, married Elizabeth Wyatt; their chil- dren : Martha S., Lewis L., Elizabeth S., mar. Dr. Thos. M. Jones, of Ind., Carrie V., Eloise and Laura Virginia.
Rosalie H. mar. J. E. Valk; children Eugene, Arthur, Leslie P., Rosalie B.
Louis H., died aged 9 years.
Harriet A., daughter of Henry W. Baker, born 1796, mar. William Miller. His son was W. "Bake" Miller. Father and son were mer- chants in Winchester; place of business site of Baetjer and Co.'s store; residence on Market Street, now the residence of Marion Bantz. His
son "Bake" Miller lived where the Misses Wall kept a boarding house for years.
Nathan Camillus, son of Henry W. Baker, born 1803, married Mary Ann Roberts, of Win- chester, Va., daughter of George Roberts, Aug. 2, 1825. Children by this union Henry Camillus Baker born 18th Dec., 1826, George Luther born Oct. 29, 1829, died 1847, Nathan Camillus, Jr., died 1832, Henry Camillus Baker being the only child after 1847. His mother, Mary Ann Rob- erts, was the only daughter of a very distinguished man-George Roberts, Commander of the Colom- bia Navy, during the war period when the noted Boliver so inspired military men with his suc- cesses, they called him the Washington of South America. Commander Roberts, while his daugh- ter was a young girl, was a prisoner of war in Spain, under condemnation of death as a rebel and traitor; so that for nine years his family heard nothing from him, and concluded he had been wrecked and lost. During this period, the daughter was under the care of her uncle in Del- aware, who subsequently sent her to Winchester, where she was placed under the care of Col. Beaty and Col. Roberts, where she met Nathan Camillus Baker and, as we have shown, became his wife. Her father, Commander Roberts, aban- doned ocean life, and died in Winchester. Henry Camillus Baker, the only surviving child, now 82 years old, lives in Baltimore, well preserved. He had a poetic nature, and indulged in many effusions, some of which found their way to the public. The writer has before him now his poem "Night Scene-The Ruined Chapel," in which he pictures the ruins of the old Lutheran Church, and recalls scenes of his childhood in lines of such pathos that, if it were possible, they would apepar in this volume. The writer remem- bers Mr. Baker as he appeared on the streets of his native town when a young man. His gen- eral appearance and peculiar style commanded at- tention wherever seen. His tall, graceful figure, and long black hair, stamped him as quite dif- ferent from several others of the Baker family bearing the name of Camillus-all to be called Mick. The writer has been asked many times, who was Spanish Mick Baker; and has tried in this brief way to unravel what has often been intimated was a mystery. This Henry Camillus Baker married Francis Marie, daughter of James Tucker, of Baltimore County, Md. By this union they had the following children: Claude, born Sept. 29, 1856, died 1858; twins Carl and May Day, born Sept. 17, 1860. Carl died Aug. 21, 1861; May Day died May 10, 1862. Camille, born Apl. 30, 1858, died Jany. 1, 1907; Sallie Tucker Baker, born Jany. 27, 1862; Henry South- worth Baker, born Aug. 25, 1864; Julia Monroe, born July 3, 1867, died June 28, 1872. Henry
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CARTMELL'S HISTORY
Southworth Baker mar. Lulu B., daughter of Samuel H. Higinbotham, of Wheatland, near Charlestown, W. Va., June 27, 1903. They have two sons: Henry S., born May 2, 1904, Samuel H. born Jany. 24, 1907. Mr. Baker is a merchant in Winchester, an active member of the Board of Deacons of the Presb. Church, and is an ar- dent worker in the home mission field near the city.
Maria C., daughter of Henry W. Baker, born 1805, married Rev. Mr. Kurtz.
Henry M., son of Henry W. Baker, born Dec. 24, 1809; was known as Lame Henry Baker, to distinguish him from several others of the same name. He married and reared a large family at his splendid home, Glendobbin. His children were Flora, married Jos. T. Hiett, who was a gallant Confederate soldier, (now dead.) They have several children.
H. William, married Miss Hillary-lives in Berryville and has one daughter.
B. West Baker, married Miss Lutie Hiett. His life has been spent at Glendobbin, having pur- chased it from his brothers and sisters. Their children are Love, only daughter, and Henry, now in full manhood. "West," as he is familiarly called by his host of friends, is an up-to-date farmer; his magnificent farm, with its orchards and fine stock, is profitably managed. Mr. Baker has been an active member of the Board of Di- rectors of the S. V. A. Society.
George, the other son of Henry M., never married, and died several years ago.
Hallie Baker married Roland Bryarly and re- moved to Texas. Subsequent to his death, Mrs. Bryarly returned to Winchester with her three children Henry R., Roland T., and Eva. The latter died a few years ago, just as she had rounded out her sweet girlhood. Henry is mar- ried; Roland unmarried, and lives with his mother.
Florence, daughter of Henry M., married John S. Miller, hardware merchant on Main Street.
Katherine, married W. Spottswood White, son of Rev. George White, D.D., Presb. Minister at Moorefield, W. Va.
Mr. Baker the father of the children briefly mentioned, was a farmer, and always active as a member of The Farmers Club a society formed many years ago before the Civil War, composed of about twenty of the most intelligent farmers in
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