My Genealogy Hound

Angus C. Baker, farmer and stock raiser. This gentleman, one of the progressive young farmers of the county, was originally from Henry County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on the 26th of January, 1853. His father, Peter K. Baker, is well known throughout the county as one of its representative citizens. [See sketch on previous page.] Brought up as an agriculturist it was but natural that Angus C. Baker should permanently adopt that calling as his life occupation. He received a good practical education in the common schools of Independence County, Ark., and later attended Washington high school, near Batesville, where he remained until 1876, and then entered Gardner’s Academy, in Weakley County, Tenn., there taking a year’s course. During the winter of 1876-77 he taught his first school, in Bayou Dota Academy, and since that time has taught both select and public schools in his own county. He has been twice married; first, September 15, 1878, to Miss Mary E. Best, daughter of William Best, a prominent farmer of Black River Township. Four children were born to this union, who are named as follows: Percy K., born September 15, 1879; Orville M. L. was born on the 13th of November, 1881; Ernest E. was born on the 15th of October, 1884, and Roy C. was born on the 19th of November, 1888, and died on the 7th of January, 1889. Mrs. Baker died on the 24th of November, 1888. She was a loving wife and mother, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baker’s second marriage took place in December, 1888, to Miss Burrilla A. Best, sister of his first wife. His principal occupation has been that of farming, but, in connection with this, he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. From 1880 to 1887 he carried on a general mercantile business on his farm, and at the same time acted as assistant postmaster. In the winter of 1887 he sold his store, and worked as a salesman for J. R. Bullington, of Sulphur Rock, until December 1st, when he entered the clerk’s office at Batesville, and there remained until the spring of 1889. He then returned to his farm of 160 acres, with sixty acres under cultivation, a good orchard, and lately he has erected a nice residence. He votes with the Democratic party, but is not a political enthusiast. He and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.