BIO:  Samuel J. Baker, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Newberry Township, Pg 150

PROF. SAMUEL J. BAKER was born in Paradise Township, York Co., Penn., January 21, 
1856.  His parents were Samuel and Catharine (Jacobs) Baker, of the same 
township, and of English descent.  They had eleven children – three sons and 
eight daughters, of whom Samuel J. is the third one in the family.  At an early 
age he assisted his father at shoe-making and attending the public schools.  At 
the age of eighteen years he commenced studying brass band music at Big Mound, 
and became so proficient in a short time, that he became leader of a band at Big 
Mount, in 1875; and, since 1878, has given his whole attention to music and band 
teaching.  He is also a teacher of classes on the organ and violin.  In 1880 he 
removed to Goldsboro, where he has since made his home.  He has instructed nine 
bands in York County and one in Lancaster County, and is at present teaching four 
bands:  Independent Band (Goldsboro), Manchester Cornet Band, Strinestown Band, 
and New Salem Band.  He is also leader of Baker’s Orchestra at Goldsboro, and 
arranges and composes music for bands, etc.  December 23, 1880, he married Susan 
Ziegler, of Wellsville, York County, Penn.  They have one child, Lottie May.  
Prof. Baker is a member of the Reformed Church, also of the S. of A.