My Genealogy Hound

P. H. Baker, a merchant and planter of Pike County, was born in De Soto County, Miss., September 23, 1845, a son of Stephen P. and Nancy (Spence) Baker, natives of Tennessee, born in 1815 and 1820, respectively. They had four children: Patrick H, Martha A. (who married J. C. Richardson), Mary J. (married A. M. Parmer) and Joseph A. (married Angeline Hughes). The father was a farmer, miller and merchant by occupation, and emigrated from Mississippi to Arkansas in 1856, locating in Columbia County, and in 1867 he removed to Pike County, where he resided until his death, September 22, 1885. He was one of the early settlers of Pike County, was prominently identified with its interests, and was a liberal contributor to its schools and churches. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, Royal Arch, Amity Lodge, in which he has held all the principal offices. He was justice of the peace for a number of years. His wife is still living, enjoying good health, and is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The immediate subject of this sketch was educated in Columbia County, Ark. In 1861 he entered the Confederate army, enlisting in Company G, Fortieth Tennessee Regiment, under Gen. Walker. He was captured at New Madrid, and taken to Springfield, Ill., where he remained for one year. He was exchanged at Vicksburg, Miss; he was recaptured at Port Hudson, was paroled to camp, returned home, and then reported to Gen. Kirby Smith. He participated in the battle of Pleasant Hill, La., and then returned home, resuming his agricultural pursuits. In 1866 he married Miss Mary S. Smith, a native of Mississippi, and to this union have been born four children: Stephen P., James M., Walter and Vergie. The latter two are twins. His wife died in 1874, and October 7, 1875, Mr. Baker was again married, this time wedding Miss Elizabeth J. McMillan, a native of South Carolina, who bore him seven children: Robert J., Patrick H., William T., Franklin, Wallace W., Samuel J. and De Witt T. Mr. Baker commenced his mercantile business in 1885, and now carries a stock of $5,000. In connection with this business he is engaged in farming on an extensive scale, owning a farm of 300 acres, 200 of which are under an excellent state of cultivation; his farm is well stocked. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.