George W. Baker

    George W. Baker, farmer, Sparta Township, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, January 19, 1918. His parents were the old and highly esteemed pioneers -Thomas and Rachel (Powell) Baker, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The former was a son of John Baker, and old Revolutionary soldier, who emigrated from Virginia to Dearborn County, Indiana about the year 1801, settling near Wilmington, where he resided until his death. He was the father of six children, viz.: Thomas, John, Elizabeth, George, William and Sarah. Thomas (the father of our subject, the eldest member of the family) came with his parents to this county in 1801, where he and the above Rachel Powell were united in marriage in about 1812, after which they settled near Wilmington, and there remained, with the exception of a few years in Ripley County, until their deaths. He died July 11, 1853. His widow still survives and resides at Wilmington. they were the parents of twelve children, namely: Elizabeth (deceased), Susan, George W., Sarah J., Angeline, Nelson T., Huldah A. (deceased) John E., William, James M., Thomas L. and Josephine.

    George W., our subject was marriage in Hogan Township, this county, February 11, 1841, to Margaret A., daughter of Peter and Margaret (Higbee) Hannegan. She was born in this county February 3, 1823. After our subject's marriage, he moved to Ohio County, where he remained about four years, and from thence removed to Dearborn County, where he has since resided. In 1867 he purchased his present farm, and in the following year moved on it, where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of fine land, which is well improved, a part of which is located in Sparta Township, and a part in Clay Township. They have had born to them eleven children, viz.: Martha A., Harlan P., Thomas E. (deceased), Zada M., Lewis W. (deceased), Ella F., Mary A., Dollie C., Hattie E., George M. and Carrie E. Mr. Baker is a fine man and highly esteemed by all who know him. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885.