Hiram T. Baker

As printed in 1901

IRAM T. BAKER, one of the leading agriculturists of Center township, Wapello county, Iowa, is located on section 31, township 72, range 13, where he owns a tract of 50 acres which has been in the family since 1862. He was born in 'arrick county, Indiana, November 24, 1841, and is a son of J. G. Baker, and grandson of John Baker.

John Baker was of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to this country just previous to the Revolutionary \A'ar, in which he took sides with the colonists. He was but sixteen years of age and, owing to his recent arrival, was dressed as an English boy by the general and sent out to get valuable information. These excursions of his were always attended by great danger, and he met with many thrilling experiences. Upon one occasion he and eight other scouts, all well mounted, were sent out to get information from within the English lines. Catching sight of a "Red Coat," they proposed his capture, and, suiting the action to the word, they spurred their horses and were led into an ambush of 40 men.

The. only alternate to hopeless fighting was to surrender, and this they would not do. Every brave man of the party was killed but Mr. Baker and one noble comrade. The latter was mounted on a thoroughbred horse and after passing the enemy's line could easily have distance them, but the former, being on a sewer horse, proposed to get off and trust to his feet for escape. The gallant comrade objected to. this and instructed Mr. Baker to ride to the left, and he would draw the fire to himself until the latter could escape, and would then trust to the fleetness of his horse for his own escape. This ruse was successful and they both returned to headquarters. This is but one instance of the great dangers he encountered and the valuable work in which he was engaged. The only relic the family now possesses of this gallant old soldier is the old chair in which he sat during the late years of his life while relating his interesting experiences. J. G. Baker was born in Warrick county Indiana, and came to Wapello county, Iowa, in October, 1844. He located just north of the cemetery, and awaited the opening of the land granted by the government. He then entered a piece of land seven miles from Ottumwa and remained there until 1856, when he removed to Ottumwa because of the educational advantages that city would afford his children. In 1862 he purchased the home farm in section 31, township ji, range 13, Center township, but lived in Ottumwa until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-three years.

Hiram T. Baker was but three years of age when his father came to Iowa, and here he was reared and schooled. After attending the public schools for a time he entered a select school and attended it for five years. He then became identified with his father in the hotel business in Ottumwa, and in 1862 located on the farm, to which he succeeded as owner. The place was at that time wholly unimproved, having only- a log house upon it, which was replaced l)y a good frame house, 24 1) 34 feet, in 1869. A good barn, a granary and other buildings necessary to successful farming were erected, and it is now one of the best improved farms in its section of the county. He also built another house on the farm for a son, but new resides in it himself. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising, with great success, his preference being for Shorthorn cattle.

i Mr. Baker was united in marriage with

Harriet A. Hull, and they had four children:

As printed in History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.