Fayette County PA Archives Biographies.....Baker, Joseph Lyons September 5, 1838 - ???? ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Marta Burns marta43@juno.com August 26, 2024, 9:42 am Source: Gresham and Wiley, 1889: Biographical & Portrait Cyclopedia, Fayette Co, PA, pg 248 Author: John H. Gresham & Samuel T. Wiley Joseph Lyons Baker is of German ancestry, and a member of one of the prominent families of Springhill township. His is a son of John Baker and Catherine Saddler Baker, and was born September 5, 1838, in Springhill township, Fayette county, Penna. His grandfather, Micheal Baker, was a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, and was one of the early settlers of Springhill township. His father, John Baker, was born in Springhill township, and received a plain but practical education and engaged in farming as his life's pursuit. On arriving at man's estate, he married and immediately purchased his father-in-law's farm of 246 acres of land. He bought it on credit and by industry and prompt attention to his business, paid every dollar of his indebtedness. He was married to Miss Catherine Saddler, daughter of William Saddler. To them were born ten children: William Baker, Jacob Baker, Micheal Baker, Joseph L Baker, Daniel Baker, James Baker, John Baker, Mary Baker, Martha Baker, Maggie Baker, all living but Jacob who died in the federal army. John Baker was a democrat and served as road supervisory and assessor. He was a kind father, a good citizen and died September 23, 1853. His venerable widow is now living with her daughters in Missouri. Joseph Lyons Baker was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools and the Millsboro Normal School in Washington county where he attended two terms. Leaving school he engaged in teaching and taught three terms in the common schools of Fayette county, one term in Indiana and one term in Missouri. During 1866 he returned to Springhill and engaged in farming on the homestead farm for three years. In 1869 he removed to his father-in-law's farm in Dunbar township and remained there four years. In 1873 he purchased ninety two acres of the home farm in Springhill township, and immediately removed there. He erected a fine dwelling and has greatly improved his farm by fencing, draining and liming. He was married November 7, 1867, to Miss Rebecca Hurst, daughter of Nathaniel G Hurst, a well known citizen of Fayette county. They have seven children: Jesse Hurst Baker, Lilly May Baker, Julia M Baker, Katie Hurst Baker, Beatrice Baker, Isaac G Baker and Queenie Baker. Mr Baker was a democrat until 1888. Being in favor of a high protective tariff, he left the democratic ranks in that year and voted with the republican party. He has served one year as tax collector and is serving his fourth terms as school director. For two years he has been an elder in the Lutheran church at Morris Cross Roads, of which he and his wife have been members for several years. Additional Comments: Originally submitted 2000. This file has been created by a form at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pafiles/ File size: 3.3 Kb