New Hanover County, NC - Baker History, Part 2 BAKER HISTORY FORWARD The 1900 Federal Census of Hillsborough County lists the household of Elizabeth BLANTON BAKER as follows: Elizabeth age 46, born Mar 1857; Oscar, son, 23 yrs., born Feb 1877; Fred Albert, son, 20 yrs., born Jan 1879; Eve Lena, dau., 19 yrs., born Apr 1881. Elizabeth further states she was married for 6 years, had 6 children, and 5 are living. (105) I was once told by a BAKER family member there was an Estillo BAKER, she's listed as war daughter on 1880 Census, who married at about age 35 in Seffner, FL and no one had heard from her since. My notes, however, have Estillo died in 1885 although I have never found her grave. This same BAKER family member had never heard of Eva Lena BAKER who is not listed on the 1880 Census, but is on the 1885 Census in Arthur's home at age 4, and again on the 1900 Census in Elizabeth's home at age 19. I did find her grave in Seffner Cemetery, Seffner, FL in August of 1977. We know Elizabeth had two children by her first marriage and the three listed on the 1900 are Arthur's children. That accounts for five children. Is Estillo E. the child Elizabeth refers to as not living? On 7 Sep 1909, Elizabeth BAKER, widow of Arthur, applied for a Widow's Pension Claim under the Act of 1909. She states in her application she was born 18 Mar 1841 in Henry County, Alabama; she is the wife of Arthur BAKER who resided in Seffner, Hillsborough County, until his death; in 1863 Arthur enlisted in the Confederate States Army and served in Capt. L.G. LESLEY's Company, Mounted Volunteers, C.J. M----INGERS's Battalion; he was honorably discharged at surrender in 1865. S.E. SPARKMAN and Hugh GALLAGHER are Elizabeth's witnesses and both declare they served with Arthur. (106) Elizabeth BLANTON BAKER died on 28 Jan 1910. She is buried in Seffner Cemetery, Seffner, Hillsborough County, FL together with William Oscher, Fredrick Albert, Fredrick's wife, Mattie F. BAKER and Eva Lena BAKER. Also buried here are Lyle Russell and Bernice Violet BAKER, Bryan Kern and Virginia Hoffman BAKER, and Laurence Hensley BAKER's first wife, Louise Callan BAKER, the men being sons of Fredrick Albert BAKER. Just behind Elizabeth are the graves of Garvin T. BLANTON, Mary H. BLANTON, Katie BLANTON, and Redden J. BLANTON. In addition to Arthur Alpheus BAKER's grave, Bethlehem Cemetery (Dover, Hillsborough County, FL) also has the graves of Arthur's children Thomas Jefferson, his first wife Mary Eliza RIGBY, Susan Flourentine, Robert E. Lee, his wife Louise KINARD, James Andrew, and John Wesley BAKER. Thomas Jefferson BAKER's son, Arthur Alpheus and his wife, Sara PASCHAL, are also buried here. Robert E. Lee BAKER's children, James Quill and his wife, Eunice, Eva M., Osie Arthur, and William Bryan BAKER are here together with Robert's son, Charlie M. BAKER's daughter, Hellen, and William Bryan BAKER's son, William Rudolph BAKER. There is also a grave for Ellen Marie BAKER, but it is unknown whose child she was. Thomas Jefferson BAKER (b. 10 Nov 1853 d. 6 Apr 1876) married Mary Eliza RIGBY, daughter of Wade S. and Nancy Keziah HAGAN RIGBY on 5 May 1876 in Hillsborough County, FL. (107) Together they had the following children: Celestia Althea; William Emery; Maud E.; Nancy Hezakizza "Kizzie"; Claude Estelle; Thomas Jefferson; Arthur Alpheus, Jr.; Byrdaux Ollen "Bert"; and Paul O'Bryan BAKER. The 1880 Census of Hillsborough County, FL lists the Thomas J. BAKER family as follows: 37/37; Thomas J., age 26; Mary E., age 25, wife, keeping house; Celestia A., age 2, daughter; Buddie, age 4 months, son, has a fever. (108) On the 1885 Census of Hillsborugh County, FL, Thomas J. BAKER's family is found in the household after Arthur Alpheus BAKER. The record shows: 191; T.J. BAKER, age 32, Dentist; Mary, age 30, wife; Althea, age 8, daughter; William, age 8, son; Maud, age 4, daughter; Kizzie, age 2, daughter. (109) In research provided by Mae ALLMAN, the 1910 Hillsborough County, FL Census lists the Thomas J. BAKER household as follows: Thomas J., age 56; Mary, age 55, wife; Althea, age 26, daughter; Thomas, age 21, son; Claude, age 19, daughter; Arthur, age 17, son; Bert, age 15, son; Paul, age 13, son. The statement is made that Thomas and Mary have been married for 30 years, had 10 children, with 9 children living. (110) The 1920 Hillsborough County, FL Census, again provided by Mae ALLMAN, shows the household as follows: Mary E. BAKER, age 65, widowed; Celestia A., age 41, daughter; Claude, age 32, daughter; Thomas J., age 30, son; Arthur A., age 28, son; Paul, age 20, son; John C. RUSSELL, age 4, grandson. (111) Although Mary Eliza BAKER says she is a widow on the 1920 Census, she and Thomas Jefferson BAKER were divorced. On 3 July 1920, Thomas Jefferson married Mrs. A. Lee SIMS in Hernando County, FL. (112) Thomas Jefferson BAKER died on 6 April 1926. He is buried along side Mary Eliza RIGBY BAKER (b. 6 Jul 1854 d. 2 Dec 1928) in Bethlehem Cemetery, Dover, Hillsborough County, FL. In his will, filed 21 April 1926 in Hillsborough County, FL, Thomas Jefferson, leaves his daughter Celestia Althea the sum of thirty dollars. The remaining children, William Emery, Maud, Kizzie, Claude Estelle, Thomas Jefferson, Byrdaux Ollen, and Paul O'Bryan BAKER are left the sum of five dollars each. Mrs. Lena Bell Warder is appointed Sole Executrix of Thomas Jefferson's estate. (113) In a sketch written by Martine GLASS OAKLEY COX she writes about Thomas Jefferson BAKER, "(He) was a circuit riding Dentist and was able to provide his family with a comfortable life which included a large home on Baker Creek near where it flows into Lake Thonotosassa. Around 1900, he moved the family to Dade City, Florida where he opened a dental office. Thomas J. was also able to provide a higher education for all his children. The girls attended Florida State College for Women (now FSU) and most of the males attended the University of Florida." (114) Martine's sketch written about Thomas Jefferson's son, William Emery BAKER (b. 12 Feb 1880 d. 12 Mar 1960) reads: "William Emery BAKER was born on Feb 12, 1880, in a small town East of Tampa called Thonotosassa. He was the second child and oldest son of nine children of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Eliza BAKER. He grew to be 6'5" and was the shortest of the five boys. William attended Young Harris College in Georgia and after graduation, he became a member of the first law class of John B. Stetson University at Deland, FL. He was graduated in May 1902. William had met his future wife, Sabina COLSON, in the Plant City Library. She had a job teaching music and working in the library and Will was in town doing some research for an attorney. They had a fast courtship - all of six weeks! They were married on June 27, 1903, in Plant City and shortly after, moved to Gainesville. William started up his law practice and also was an instructor for two classes in the first law school at the University of Florida. He was a member of the first John Marshall Debating Society which was organized on the UF campus. Will's law office was upstairs over Folds Hardware on S.W. 1st Avenue. During World War II, William served on the Florida State Board of Appeal for selective service. He was a member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge, the 8th Judicial Circuit Bar Association and a member of the Methodist Church. He practiced law in the firm of Baker & Chitty until his retirement in 1951, during which time he specialized in land titles and real estate. Richard "Dick" COX reports that Grandpa BAKER was an ardent fisherman during his lifetime. "He built his own boats to fish out of and when I was about six years old, he took a paddle and cut it down to fit me. He taught me how to paddle from the back of the boat, sitting on one side so I didn't have to switch sides with the paddle to make the boat go where I wanted it to go. I used to paddle him all over everywhere bass fishing. He was the one that taught me how to cast a rod and reel and we had a great time fishing together! I remember how John (COX - my father) and I would go with him and Bom Bom (Sabina) to the Suwannee River to fish. After catching a mess, they wood clean them and fry them up for a great meal complete with grits and hush puppies. Grandpa always kept a box in the trunk of his car filled with frying pans and other cooking supplies." Grandpa's law office was located upstairs, in the building on the corner of SW Main Street and 1st Avenue. Whenever Dick was downtown, he would go by Grandpa's office where he was given a dime to buy candy. At Christmas he always gave each one of his grandchildren a bright silver dollar. Even though he wasn't long on patience and meant what he said, Grandpa certainly enjoyed and loved his children and grandchildren. After he retired, he had the misfortune of slipping and falling in his kitchen one night and broke his hip. This was around 1951 and at that time there wasn't too much that could be done. He pretty much was bed ridden from that time until his death in 1960. Such a hard fate for a man that had always been so active and so much on the go! William had always loved people. He brought many home for supper unannounced, and provided legal work for people without being paid. He was loved by so many for all his good deeds, and was missed most by his large family." (115) William Emery and Sabina COLSON BAKER had five daughters, Elizabeth "Liz" Ann (b. 15 Mar 1904 d. 28 Jan 1994), Mary Jane (b. 10 Feb 1906 d. 20 Aug 1986), Nancy "Hank" (b. 21 Nov 1907), Sarah Maxey (b. 30 Oct 1912), and Sabina "Binnie" BAKER (b. 20 Nov 1914 d. 13 Aug 1997). Mary Jane BAKER is my paternal grandmother. William and Sabina are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL. "Liz" BAKER, who never married, was a WAC in World War II and retired from the Florida State Museum. She lived in Gainesville, Alachua County, FL all of her life. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL. Mary Jane BAKER was a lifelong resident of Gainesville, FL. She was on the 1930 FL AAU championship basketball team. She was also a Democratic Committee woman for Florida and attended several conventions. She married John O'Neal COX (b. 8 Apr 1904 d. 10 Oct 1886) on 18 Jun 1923 in Lake City, Columbia County, FL. They had three sons. Mary is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL. Sabina "Binnie" BAKER was employed by the University of Florida Library from 1962 until 1978. She was a member of the Gainesville Womens Club and Gainesville Garden Club. She married William H. MCDOWALL and they had two daughters. THADDEUS LAFAYETTE "THOMAS" BAKER (b. Abt 1826 d. 3 May 1864) Unfortunately I have next to nothing on Thomas. Census records show Thomas in the household of his parents as a young man. The 1850 Census of Benton County, FL shows Thomas L. BAKER, age 21, listed one line above Arthur A. BAKER. Thomas is not listed on the 1860 list of Hernando County Taxpayers. Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861 - 1865 has this to say about Thomas: 4th Sgt. Thaddeus L. BAKER, (b. 1826; m. Olive) served in Captain BREAKER's "Old Guards" prior to this company. He enlisted 2/25/63 in Brooksville. He was promoted to 3rd Sgt. And hospitalized in Lake City in early 1864. He died there 5/3/64 and was buried in Columbia County, FL. (116) In a letter dated 11 May 1960, Maude C. ANDERSON of Fort Meade, FL, wrote to my great-aunt, Elizabeth "Liz" BAKER, and said her grandfather's name was Thaddeus Lafayette BAKER and her brother's name is Norman Lafayette. I have not been able to contact any relatives of Ms. ANDERSON and so I do not know if a connection was ever proven. JOHN FRANKLIN BAKER (b. 18 Feb 1827 d. 22 Mar 1877) While I have copies of applications whereas James, Isaac, James W., and Arthur applied for land under the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, I don't have any documents pertaining to John. A list of issued Armed Occupation Land Permits appearing in the Florida Genealogist includes a John BAKER as having received permit #47. (117) Sometime around 1855, John married Jincy WHITEHURST. Jincy was the daughter of Daniel Scott and Jincy FLETCHER WHITEHURST and the sister of Emily C. WHITEHURST who married Arthur Alpheus BAKER. In 1855 John and Jincy had a child whose tombstone in Baker Hill Cemetery reads Unnamed Child of John F. BAKER. I've been told this child was a son who was named John Franklin BAKER. This child, together with his father, is named on a memorial marker in Pleasant Hill Cemetery outside of Bushnell, FL. John and Jincy went on to have four more children: Sarah Rebecca (b. 30 Oct 1857); James Daniel (b. 3 Apr. 1860); John Lucien (b. 17 Apr 1862); William Jordan (b. 27 Mar 1866). In the 1850's John was a Private in SMITH's Special Battalion of Florida Troops as listed in an Index to Volunteer Soldiers in Indian Wars and Disturbances, 1815-1858. (118) A copy of his muster out paper shows he served in Captain STEWART's Mounted Company under Smith's Special Battalion and left service on 30 September 1856. (119) On 9 May 1859 James W. BAKER, Administrator of the Estate of James BAKER, conveyed the West 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 20, Township 21 South, Range 20 East containing 80 acres to his brother, John F. BAKER. The deed states: James BAKER died sometime in the year 1852 leaving unrepresented the described track of land that was appraised at $900. The land was sold for $100 at Public Out Cry at DeSoto to John F. BAKER, the highest bidder, and no record of the sale was made in the Court. On 6 September 1848 (should be 1858?) the heirs united in a bond confirming the sale. Upon filing the bond with an affidavit the sale was confirmed by his honor Perry G. WALL on 10 May 1859. (120) As mentioned earlier, John F. BAKER is found on the 1860 Hernando County Taxpayers list together with his brothers, Arthur A., James W. and William J. BAKER. A listing for John F. BAKER in Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861 - 1865, Ninth Florida Infantry, Company I reads: 2nd Lt. John F. BAKER (b. 1825; m. Parthenia A. WEAVER 6/28/68; d. 3/22/77 Brooksville, buried in Baker Hill Cemetery, Brooksville, FL) was a Seminole War veteran. He served in Captain BREAKER's "Old Guards" prior to this company. He enlisted 2/25/63 at Brooksville and was promoted to 1st Lt. 5/5/64. He resigned 9/22/64 because he did not feel competent to face a board of examination. He returned to the ranks as a private in Company C and was paroled at Burkeville VA in April 1865. (121) In 1867 Jincy WHITEHURST BAKER died. (122) She was 30 years old. On 28 April 1868, John Franklin married Parthenia WEAVER. (123) Together they had the following children: Jincey Adaline (b. 20 Nov 1867); Martha Rosa Ann (b. 5 Dec 1870); Charles Wesley (b. 27 Sep 1872); Parthenia Eliza (b. 28 Apr 1875). On 20 April 1869, John F. BAKER received Application #3906 to settle 80 acres, for which he paid $7, under "An act to secure homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain." Approved by Congress 20 May 1862 and 21 March 1864. His land is described as: The East 1/2 of Southwest 1/4 of Section 20, Township 21 South, Range 20 East. In his application he states he is over twenty-one years of age and the head of a family. On 25 October 1875, In the Final Proof required under Homestead Act May 20, 1862, William J. BAKER and Joseph B. HIGGINBOTHAM swear to the following: they have known John F. BAKER for 5 years; he is the head of a family consisting of a wife and children; that he made settlement on said land on 20 Apr 1869; he has built a dwelling house and other out buildings; he has cultivated about 20 acres of the land. On this same date Certificate #915 was issued to John for his land. (124) On 1 February 1876 John F. BAKER was issued a U.S. Patent for lands claimed under the Homestead Act of 1862 by President U.S. GRANT. (125) On 22 March 1877, John Franklin BAKER died. He is buried with his first wife, Jincy, his Unnamed Infant, and his mother, Mary, in Baker Hill Cemetery. The 1880 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL lists Parthenia's household as follows: 319/319; P.A. BAKER, age 44 , housekeeper; Daniel J., age 19, stepson, farmer; Lucy J., age 17, daughter, attending school; W. J., age 14, son, attending school; J.A., age 10, daughter; attending school; M.R .A., age 9, daughter, attending school; C.W., age 7, son, attending school; P. E., age 5, daughter, attending school. In an Application for Letter of Administration filed 21 March 1882 in Hernando County, FL, John's widow, Parthenia, states the date of John's death, the death year of Jincy, the names and approximate ages of the children he had with Jincy, John and Parthenia's marriage date, and the names and approximate ages of their children. (126) Certificate #1501 was issued to a John F. Baker of Hernando County, FL on 30 October 1882 for Lot #3, Section 32, Township 18 South, Range 20 East containing 29.62 acres. It appears this was awarded under an act supplemental to the "Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, An Act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands". (127) Did this land go to this John F. Baker or did it go to his nephew (brother William Jackson BAKER had a son John Franklin BAKER)? It is possible the Certificate was awarded after this John F. Baker's death. Remember sometimes these Certificates were awarded long after the men qualified for and were given the land. In 1883 Parthenia filed a Petition For Sale and Distribution with the Hernando County Court to sell at public auction the South West 1/4 of Section 20, Township 21 South, Range 20 East containing 160 acres with distribution to the heirs being made upon sale of the property. William Jackson BAKER, acts as next friend to William J., Jincey A., Rosa A., Charles W., and Parthenia E. BAKER. Together with James D., John L., and Sarah R. BAKER they all state that by reason of the large number of heirs, the small quantity of the land, inconvenient location of the improvements, difficulty of management beneficial to them, and the rapid deterioration of the fences, dwelling, and outhouses that the land be sold for equitable distribution or division. On 5 November 1883 the property was sold at public auction to John J. HALE for $6150. After the Clerk's and Special Master's Costs were deducted, the net sale was $5968.30. Parthenia received a 1/6 widow's share of $994.71 and eight shares at $621.29 19/24 each were distributed to the children of John F. BAKER. (128) On 21 January 1884, William Jordan BAKER, son of John F. and Jincy WHITEHURST BAKER, published a notice in the Florida Crescent, a Brooksville newspaper, stating his intention to apply to the Honorable H. L. MITCHELL at Tampa on 3 Mar 1884 for an Order to take charge of and manage his own estate. His petition states he is a minor over eighteen years of age and he is entitled to an estate of real and personal property by inheritance from his father that he wishes to take charge of and manage on his own. On 2 June 1884, Judge MITCHELL orders that John C. LAW, Master in Chancery, take testimony and make inquiry as to the capacity and qualification of William Jordan BAKER. John C. LAW prepares Interrogatories which are presented to Charles S. ALLMAN and James D. BAKER, material witnesses. Both men testify, via the Interrogatories, on 14 June 1884 that they believe William Jordan BAKER is capable of managing his own estate. On 1 July 1884, John C. LAW, reports to the Court that William Jordan BAKER is competent to take charge of and manage his own estate. (129) Certificate #4386 was awarded to John F. Baker of Hernando County, FL on 25 February 1885 for 160 acres described as the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4, the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 , and the Southeaast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 20 South, Range 20 East. This land, too, was awarded under acts supplemental to the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820. (130) Again, is this the same John F. Baker or is it his nephew? On 30 Dec 1907 Parthenia filed a Widow's Claim for Pension. It took several years for the pension to be approved due to confusion over when and where John F. and his brother, William J., served. This was due to John being a 1st and 2nd Lieutenant between February 1863 and September 22, 1864 when he resigned. War records did not show that John had returned to the ranks as a Private. A letter from the War Department, dated 17 August 1912, states John appeared on the muster roll of Company C, 9th Florida Infantry, Confederate States Army for September and October, 1864. It goes on to say a J. F. BAKER also appeared on a list of Confederate prisoners of war who were paroled at Burkesville Junction, VA on 17 April 1865. On 10 May 1865 John was admitted to a post hospital in Agusta, FL complaining of general debility. After several letters were written by men who served with John, Parthenia's application was finally approved on 25 September 1912 after she filed a second Widow's Pension Claim on 28 November 1910. (131) In 1913 Parthenia WEAVER BAKER died. She is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery located west of Bushnell, FL. Also buried in Pleasant Hill are Rufus and Parthenia BAKER JONES, and Charles Wesley and Cleopatra WHITE BAKER. Additionally there is a memorial marker for James, Mary, John Franklin, Jr., Jincy Emily, and John Franklin BAKER, Sr. WILLIAM JACKSON BAKER (b. 22 Jan 1829 d. 5 Feb 1913) In 1852, at the age of 23, William Jackson BAKER married Martha Hayman, daughter of James and Delia MARTIN HAYMAN. Their children were John Franklin "Frank" (b. 1855); James Madison "Jim" (b. Apr 1857); and Martha Anna "Annie" BAKER (b. 1868). Like his brothers, John F. and Thaddeus L. BAKER, William Jackson served in the Civil War. Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861- 1865 has this to say about him: (b. 1/22/29 Jefferson Co.; m. Martha HAYMAN 5/11/52; d. 2/5/1913 Hillsborough Co.) appears on a return of John PARSON's Independent Company dated April 1862. He enlisted in this company 6/21/62 at Bayport. He was on detached service since late 1863 and was serving under Captain McKAY on the last roll. (132) Although I do not have a copy of William Jackson's application for land under the Homestead Act of 1862, I do have a U.S. Patent that was issued to him for Application #4724, Certificate # 916, dated 1 February 1876. In the Patent, his land is described as follows: West 1/2 of the South West 1/4 of Section 1 and the East 1/2 of the South East 1/4 of Section 2, Township 21 South, Range 20 East containing 160.06 acres. (133) On 12 December 1878, William's son, John Franklin "Frank" married Alverda E. DUVAL and his other son, James Madison, married Celestia "Nettie" Eulale DUVAL, the two girls being sisters. (134) On 3 January 1880, William J. and Martha BAKER deeded to their sons, John Franklin and James Madison the land described in William Jackson's Patent under the Homestead Act of 1862 together with all and singular the houses, outhouses, buildings, barns, and stables. (135) The 1880 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL lists William Jackson's household as follows: 290/290; W.J. BAKER, age 51, farmer; Martha, age 47, wife, housekeeper; Anna, age 12, daughter; M.A. HEARDEN (?), age 21, no relationship. (136) Certificate #2865 was awarded to William J. Baker of Hernando County, FL for the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 7, Township 21 South, Range 20 East containing 40.02 acres on 20 June 1883. It appears William bought this land under the acts supplemental to the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820. (137) Certificate #3429 was awarded to William J. BAKER of Hernando County, FL for the Southwest 1/3 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 7, Township 21 South, Range 20 East containing 40 acres on 5 October 1883. William also bought this land under the acts supplemental to the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820. (138) Certificate #4838 was awarded to William J. Baker of Hernando County, FL for the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Township 21 South, Range 20 East contining 40.14 acres on 31 March 1884. William bought this land under acts supplemental to the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820. (139) Another Certificate, #4854, for the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 29, Township 21 South, and Range 20 East containing 40 acres was awarded to William J. Baker, Jr. on 31 March 1884. (140) Is this William Jackson BAKER or his nephew, William Jordan BAKER? William Jordan, John Franklin BAKER's son, petitioned the Court in 1884 to manage his own affairs. To my knowledge there wasn't a William J. Baker, Jr., unless William Jordan was using the Jr. after his name. Some more research will have to be done to find out when, where, and to whom this land was sold in an effort to find out who exactly owned it. On 24 September 1884, Martha Anna "Annie" BAKER married W.H. HAVRON. (141) On 18 January 1893, William Jackson, and his son, James Madison, were charter members and first officers of the Free and Accepted Masons, Floral City Lodge #133. (142) On 25 June 1907, William Jackson applied for a military pension due to age and disability. His application he states he fell in 1898 and he is missing the muscular attachment to his right shoulder. He values his house and lot at $800 and his household furniture at $50. On 4 September 1909, William Jackson declares he is 80 years old and was born on 22 January 1829 in Jefferson County, FL. He enlisted at Bayport, FL on 21 June 1862 in Company C, 9th Regiment of the State of Florida in the Confederate States Army. He was honorably discharged in May 1865 due to the close of the war. Before enlisting in the Confederate Army, he served the State of Florida having enlisted in the Spring of 1861. (143) On 5 February 1913 William Jackson BAKER died in Hillsborough County, FL. He is buried in Hills of Rest Cemetery, Floral City, Citrus County, FL. I have not been able to find where his wife, Martha, is buried, nor have I been able to locate the burial site of his sons, Frank and Jim, or their wives. On 4 March 1913, Martha BAKER filed a Widow's Pension Claim. She states that she married William Jackson in Hernando County, FL on 11 May 1852 and that she is now a resident in Hillsborough County, FL. (144) Her application is only one page and I presume she was awarded the pension due to William Jackson having applied previously for a pension. According to A History of Floral City by Marie L. Morris, James "Jim" Madison BAKER owned the land, Lot 1, Section 15-20-20 and Lot 3 Section 14-20-20, that Floral City was laid out on. The town was surveyed by Annie's husband, W.H. HAVRON. Bill BROOKS and Jim BAKER had the first phosphate mine located about one mile southwest of the present city in the Pine Lake area. Jim and Nettie DUVAL BAKER had one of the finest homes in old Floral City that was originally located on the Northwest corner of Orange and Church Streets. The house was sold and moved to a location about 1/2 block from the railroad on Orange Avenue where it was used as a hotel. Marie MORRIS further states M. M. Smoak purchased a blacksmith shop from Mr. BAKER that was first located at Everett Street and Orange Avenue, and that Jim and Frank BAKER owned a sawmill that was called "Baker Brothers" on the south side of Lake Bradley. Apparently Jim's sons, Marvin, Eugene, Leland, and John were just as enterprising as their father as Ms. MORRIS also states the boys had a chain of meat markets throughout Florida. (145) The 1900 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL lists son, James Madison BAKER's household as follows: James M. BAKER, age 43, born Apr 1857; Celestia E., wife, age 41, born Mar 1859; Marvin, son, age 20, born Jan 1880; Cora, dau., age 15, born Jul 1884; Eugene J., son, age 12, born Aug 1887; Leland, son, age 5, born Sep 1894; John, son, age 1, born Feb 1899; Elizabeth DUVAL, mother-in-law; age 70; born Mar 1830. It is further stated that James and Celestia have been married 22 years, 5 children, 5 living. (146) The 1910 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL lists son, James Madison's household as follows: James M. BAKER, age 53; Celestia, wife, age 51; Cora, daughter, age 25; Leland, son, age 15; John, son, age 11; Elizabeth DUVAL, mother-in-law, age 80. It further states James and Celestia have been married for 31 years, have 5 children, and 5 children are living. (147) REFERENCES (1) Will of John F. Baker, New Hanover County, NC, Will Bk C, pp. 17&18 (2) Land Patent Abstracts, Colony of NC 1735-1764, Patent Book 15, by Hofman, submitted by Mae Allman (3) Census Index - Colonial America 1607-1789, NC, source: CDRom Disk 310, Borderbund, submitted by Alma Eischen (4) State Census of North Carolina 1784-1787, New Hanover County, NC, pg. 104, submitted by Alma Eischen (5) 1790 Federal Census of New Hanover County, NC (6) Notes from Ruth Baker Cason obtained from documents in New Hanover County, NC, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock, and a copy of New Hanover County Court Minutes, dated 23 November 1792, obtained by Katherine Thacker. (7) Deed Bk. L, pg. 821, 6 Dec 1799, New Hanover County, NC, as found at the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Wilmington, NC - land records on file in their office. (8) 1800 Federal Census of New Hanover County, NC (9) Minutes of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1805 - 1808, New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC. (10) Deed Bk. N, Pg. 203, 10 Nov. 1810, New Hanover County, NC, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Wilmington, NC - land records on file in their office. (11) 1820 Federal Census of North Carolina (12) Family Descendancy Chart of North Carolina Bourdeaux Families, author unknown, Bordeaux family file, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC (13) Lower Black River Tax List 1815, New Hanover County, NC, microfilm, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC (14) Land Grants of New Hanover County by Mae Blake Graves (c) 1980, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC (15) Family Descendancy Chart of North Carolina Bourdeaux Families, author unknown, Bordeaux family file, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC (16) Deed Bk. S, p. 814, 29 Nov. 1827, New Hanover County, NC, James and Mary Baker to John Bordeaux, microfilm, New Hanover County Public Library, North Carolina Room, Wilmington, NC (17) Deed Bk. S., p. 807, 29 Nov. 1827, New Hanover County, NC, George Baker to John Bourdeaux, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Wilmington, NC - land records on file in their office. (18) Deed Bk. S, p. 806, 11 Dec 1827, New Hanover County, NC, James Baker to William Marshall, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Wilmington, NC - land records on file in their office. (19) Deed Bk. S, p. 797, 19 Jan 1828, New Hanover County, NC, George W. Baker to Wm. Marshall, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Wilmington, NC - land records on file in their office. (20) As stated in James Baker's Application for Permit #132, Certificate #205, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, dated 7 December 1842. (21) Copy of purchase receipt, dated 8 Oct 1830, from Tallahassee, FL submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox and copy of Land Patent #484, dated 20 Aug 1834 obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (22) Jefferson County, FL Land Plats, Township No. 3 North, Range 6 East, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (23) Print out of Florida Land Records, CD Rom Disk #255, Borderbund and CD Rom Disk 251 (GRS) submitted by Alma Eischen and copy of Patent #491 obtained from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (24) Deed Bk. B, Page 166 & 167, Jefferson County, FL, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (25) Jefferson County, FL Land Plats, Township No. 3 North, Range 6 East, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock and receipt dated October 8, 1930, Vol. 100, pg. 439, Land Office Tallahassee, FL, submitted by Alma Eischen. Copy of Patent #483 obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (26) Print out of Florida Land Records, CD Rom Disk # 255, Borderbund and CD Rom Disk 251 (GRS) submitted by Alma Eischen and copy of Patent #515 obtained from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (27) Deed Bk. B, pp. 167 & 168, Jefferson County, FL, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (28) Jefferson County, FL map, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (29) 1830 Federal Census of Jefferson County, FL (30) The Territorial Papers of the United States, compiled by Clarence Edwin Carter, Volume XXV, The Territory of Florida, 1834-1839, pg. 202, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (31) The Last Seminole War by Thomas H. Benton, obtained from http://we .got.net/docent/explore/hbent4.htm (32) Bk. A, pp. 215 - 217, Madison County, FL, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (33) A History of Columbia County, FL, Second Seminole War Section, pg. 47, as reported in The Floridian, August 25, 1838; Niles Register, Vol. LV, September 8, 1838, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (34) Florida Department of Military Affairs, Special Archives Publication Number 68, Florida Militia Muster Rolls, Seminole Indian Wars, Vol. 2, pp. 40-41, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (35) Madison County, Florida, Marriage Records, 1831-1866 and 1847 Tax List, (c) 1981, and Madison County Marriage Bk. A, pg. 44, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (36) 1840 Federal Census for Madison County, FL (37) Florida Department of Military Affairs, Special Archives Publication Number 68, Florida Militia Muster Rolls, Seminole Indian Wars, Vol. 2, pp. 44-45, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (38) The Territorial Papers of the United States, Twenty-Seventh Congress. Session II Ch. 122 1842, pp. 10 - 13, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (39) The Territorial Papers of the United States, 1842, pp. 575-576, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (40) James Baker, Application For Permit #132, Certificate #205, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant, obtained from the National Archives. (41) The Florida State Genealogical Society 1987, Florida Voters In Their First Statewide Election, May 26, 1845 (42) Handbook for Genealogists United States of America, pg. 40, 8th Edition, Everton Publishers, Inc. (43) The Florida State Genealogical Society 1987, Florida Voters In Their First Statewide Election, May 26, 1845 (44) James Baker, Application To Agent, Permit #132, Certificate #205, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant, obtained from National Archives. (45) Deeds, Bk. P, pp. 133 & 134, Hernando County, FL. A copy of this Patent #205 may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (46) Deeds, Bk. E, pp. 75 & 76, Hernando County, FL. A copy of this Patent #643 may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (47) Deeds, Bk. E, pp. 87 & 88, Hernando County, FL. (48) See photographs taken of graves in Baker Hill Cemetery by Katherine Thacker (not provided to internet). (49) See photograph taken by Vera Mae Smith in 1979, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (not provided to Internet). (50) See photograph taken of Mary Baker's Tombstone by Katherine Thacker (not provided to internet). (51) Isaac Baker, Application For Permit #118, Certificate #180, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant, National Archives. (52) Deeds, Bk. D, pp. 699 & 700, Hernando County, FL. (53) 1850 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL (54) Family Group Record compiled by Vera Mae Smith, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock. (55) Hernando County Our Story by Alfred A McKethan, pg. 149 (56) Deeds, Bk. D, pp. 700 & 701, Hernando County, FL. (57) Marriage and Death Notices from the Southern Christian Adbocate 1837 - 1860, Vol. I, Holcomb, pg. 392 (58) 1860 Hernando County Taxpayers, extracted from Florida County Tax Rolls, author unknown, submitted by Mae Allman (59) A copy of Certificate #84, Elizabeth W. Baker, may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (60) Deeds, Bk. B, pp. 211 & 212, Hernando County, FL. (61) 1870 Federal Census, Hernando County, FL (62) Deeds, Bk. B, pp. 212 - 214, Hernando County, FL. (63) Deeds, Bk. B, pp. 214 - 216, Hernando County, FL. (64) 1880 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (65) 1900 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (66) 1920 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (67) Family Group Record compiled by Vera Mae Smith, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (68) Obituary of Florida Ann Eliza Baker Smith, Brooksville Journal, January 23, 1930, p. 4, Hernando County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman. (69) Family Group Record compiled by Vera Mae Smith, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (70) Family information submitted by Beulah Mae Smith (71) Family information submitted by Sherrie Lynn Smith (72) James Wesley Baker, Application For Permit #114, Certificate #185, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant, National Archives. (73) Deeds, Bk. D, pp. 697 & 698, Hernando County, FL. (74) 1850 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL, Household of James Baker. (75) Deeds, Bk. D, pp. 698 & 699, Hernando County, FL. (76) 1860 Hernando County Taxpayers, extracted from Florida County Tax Rolls, author unknown, submitted by Mae Allman (77) 1870 Federal Cenus of Hernando County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (78) Tampa Tribune, February 14, 1960, Early Life In Hernando Was One of Hardship, Famine, Indian Wars, by D.B. McKay (79) 1880 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (80) Homestead Certificate #2431, Application #3132, copy obtained from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (81) Family Group Record compiled by Helen N. Byrd (82) Elias James Knight, Application for Permit #11, Certificate #196, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant as referenced by Helen N. Byrd in The Knight Family, pp. 7-10; may be obtained from the National Archives. (83) Hernando County Our Story by Alfred A. McKethan, pp. 149 - 153 (84) 1850 Federal Census of Benton (n/k/a Hernando) County, FL, The Knight Family, by Helen N. Byrd, pg. 10 (85) Elias James Knight, Application # 2346, Certificate # 606, Homestead Act of 1862, as referenced by Helen N. Byrd in The Knight Family, pg. 14 (86) 1870 Federal Census, Crawfordville, Waukulla County, page 757, Household 107/98 as referenced by Helen N. Byrd in The Knight Family, pg. 12 (87) Family Group Sheet of Elias James Knight compiled by Helen N. Byrd of Tampa, FL (88) The Journal of The Florida Annual Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church South, Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL, 9 Dec ?, pg. 19, referenced in The Knight Family by Helen N. Byrd. (89) 1885 Florida State Census, Sumter County, FL, submitted by Alma Eischen (90) Descendancy Chart, submitted by Helen N. Byrd (91) Arthur A. Baker, Permit #105, Certificate #202, Application For Permit, Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Land Grant, National Archives. (92) Deeds, Bk. 4, pp. 691 & 692, Hernando County, FL. Copy may be obtained from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (93) Notes from Elizabeth "Liz" Baker transcribed from Family Bible (94) Marriage and Death Notices from the Southern Christian Adbocate 1837 - 1860, Vol I., Holcomb, pg. 176 (95) 1850 Federal Census of Benton (n/k/a Hernando) County, FL (96) Notes from Elizabeth "Liz" Baker transcribed from Family Bible (97) Notes from Elizabeth "Liz" Baker (98) 1860 Hernando County Taxpayers, extracted from Florida County Tax Rolls, author unknown, submitted by Mae Allman (99) 1870 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL (100) Hillsborough County, FL Marriage Records, 27 April 1876, University of South Florida Library (101) 1880 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL (102) Homestead Certificate #2625, Application #2799, copy obtained from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (103) 1885 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL (104) Will of Arthur A. Baker, File #359, Hillsborough County, FL (105) 1900 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (106) Elizabeth Baker, Widow's Pension Claim, Application #16895, Pensioner #5414, filed 13 Sep 1909. (107) Hillsborough County Marriage Records, 5 May 1876 (108) 1880 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL (109) 1885 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL (110) 1910 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (111) 1920 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (112) Hernando County, FL Marriage Records, Bk. 2, pg. 66 (113) Will of Thomas Jefferson Baker, Hillsborough County, FL, filed 21 April 1926 (114) Sketch written about Thomas Jefferson Baker by Martine Glass Oakley Cox. Used with permission. (115) Sketch written about William Emery Baker by Martine Glass Oakley Cox. Used with permission. (116) Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861 - 1865 by Hartman (117) Florida Genealogist, Spring 1983, Volume 6 (118) Index to Volunteer Soldiers in Indian Wars and Disturbances, 1815- 1858, author unknown, submitted by Ruth Cason Hancock (119) See copy (copy not supplied to Internet) of Muster Out Roll, submitted by Ruth Cason Hancock (120) Deeds, Bk. E, pg. 87 & 88, Hernando County, FL. (121) Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861 - 1865, Hartman, submitted by Martine Glass Oakley Cox (122) Hernando County, FL probate file, microfilm #24, file #159, Application For Letter of Administration, dated 21 March 1882, filed by Parthenia Baker in Re: Estate of John F. Baker (123) Hernando County, FL probate file, microfilm #24, file #159, Application For Letter of Administration, dated 21 March 1882, filed by Parthenia Baker in Re: Estate of John F. Baker (124) John F. Baker, Application #3906, Certificate #915, Homestead Act of 1862, Land Grant, National Archives. (125) Deed, Bk. , pg.76, Hernando County, FL. A copy of Certificate may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.gov (126) Hernando County, FL probate file, microfilm #24, file #159, Application For Letter of Administration, dated 21 March 1882, filed by Parthenia Baker in Re: Estate of John F. Baker (127) Land Certificate #1501, dated 30 October 1882. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (128) Hernando County, probate record, original currently in possession of Hernando Historical Museum Association, Brooksville, FL (129) Hernando County, Chancery Court record, original currently in possession of Hernando Historical Museum Association, Brooksville, FL (130) Land Certificate #4386, dated 25 February 1885. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (131) Application # 17164, Former Claim # 6315, Claim For Pension, filed 9 Sep 1909 and Application # 18601, Pensioner # 6270, Former Claim # 17164, filed 8 Feb 1911 (132) Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate & Union Soldiers 1861 - 1865, Hartman (133) Deeds, Bk. A, pp. 618 & 619, Hernando County, FL. A copy of Patent may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.gov (134) Hernando County, FL Marriage Records, Bk. 0, pg. 4 (135) Deeds, Bk. A. pp. 619 - 621, Hernando County, FL (136) 1880 Federal Census of Hernando County, FL (137) Land Certificate #2865, dated 20 Jun 1883. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (138) Land Certificate #3429, dated 5 Oct 1883. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (139) Land Certificate #4838, dated 31 Mar 1884. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (140) Land Certificate #4854, dated 31 Mar 1884. A copy may be obtained at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov (141) Hernando County, FL Marriage Records, 24 Sep 1884 (142) A History of Floral City by Marie L. Morris, February 1986, Published by Citrus Printers, Inverness, FL (143) William J. Baker, Application For Pension, Application # 16954, Pensioner # 5131, Former Claim # 4481, submitted by Noreen Cason Hancock (144) Martha Baker, Widow's Pension Claim, Application # 19114, Pensioner # 6367, Former Claim # 1375 (145) A History of Floral City by Marie L. Morris, February 1986, Published by Citrus Printers, Inverness, FL (146) 1900 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman (147) 1910 Federal Census of Hillsborough County, FL, submitted by Mae Allman ______________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Katherine Cox Thacker - kthacker@xtalwind.net ______________________________________________________________________