My Genealogy Hound

BAKER, W. F., grain buyer, P. O. Bingham; was born in Bingham, Summerset county, Maine, January 9, 1836. The early part of his life he attended school, and worked at the lumber business. Was married to Miss Ellen M. Smith, of Bingham, Maine, June 1858. Enlisted August 10, 1861, in the Ninth Maine infantry; he went into the service as captain of company D., and was mustered out as lieutenant-colonel, participating in the numerous battles of the army of the Potomac; was with Sherman on the Port Royal expedition; was on Gen. Butler’s staff six months, and acted as provost-marshal in various places, and was mustered out in July, 1866, serving nearly five years. Was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Carolina, and was exchanged at Charleston, South Carolina. Returned to Maine, and followed the lumber business very extensively for six years, and lost very heavily by freshets. He then moved to Page county, Iowa, in the fall of 1872; was connected with the Wabash & Pacific railroad, acting an important part as agent for them in securing the right-of-way, and completing the road. Owns 80 acres of land near Bingham. He is the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Alice M., Hattie L., Mary E., Carroll D. and Nellie C.