My Genealogy Hound

Francis M. Baker, merchant, Desha, Independence County, Ark. Among the prosperous enterprises in Desha is that of Francis M. Baker, general merchant, of that beautiful and prosperous town. He owes his nativity to Independence County, Ark., where he was born on the 14th of October, 1842, and is the son of John Baker [see sketch elsewhere]. Francis M. Baker passed his youth in his native county, and received his education in the neighborhood schools. During the late conflict he was in several prominent battles, that of Perryville and Chickamauga, and in the latter serious battle was severely wounded. He selected for his life companion Miss D. A. Steward, of Independence County, and was united in marriage to her on the 18th day of January, 1871. They have an interesting family of nine children, Annie C., Augusta, John R., Jennie, Marion, Delia, Ernest, Lulu and George. Mr. Baker is the owner of ninety acres of valuable land, but his principal occupation is merchandising. He is a Mason in good standing, being a member of Neill Lodge, Independence County, Ark., and has been a member of this organization for twenty-three years. He is a stanch Democrat, and has voted that ticket for the past twenty-five years. He also takes a great interest in public affairs.