Andrew Baker, GF

ANDREW BAKER Vison to come from North Carolina & to discover Orange County, California and create history for the Baker Family

An enterprising and successful rancher who has devoted over a quarter of a century of his life towards the development of Orange County is Andrew Baker, a resident of Stanton. He was born in Perquimans County, N. C., on December 25, 1848, the son of James A. and Lucretia (Blanchard) Baker, who moved to Indiana before the Civil War. It was some years later that Andrew Baker migrated further westward, stopping' in Jasper County, Mo., where he followed farming until 1879, then disposed of his holdings and located in Morris County, Kans. Thirteen years later he decided on a new move that would take him to California, and he arrived in Orange County on March 22, 1892, purchasing his present property the following year. These forty acres was situated on what was called the alkali flat, and was a part of the great Stearns Rancho. The land was in its primitive condition, covered with cacti and infested with jack rabbits, Possessed with the indomitable spirit of the pioneer settler, Mr. Baker at once began to clear the land and make necessary improvements so he could begin ranching, and even had to help to build the roads in this section, which had only been staked off. He hauled off from his property over fifty wagon loads of cactus, and has made of his place one of the best and most productive ranches in this part of Orange County. At first his water for irrigation came from an artesian well, but this source of supply soon gave out, and he sunk a new well to the depth of 159 feet, which gives him an abundance of water for irrigation and domestic purposes. For seven years he pumped the water by horse power, and then installed a thirteen horsepower gas engine. He grows a diversified lot of products, and is well satisfied that he has cast his lines in such pleasant quarters as Orange County.

Mr. Baker has always been interested in every movement that had as its aim the upholding and development of the best interests of his community, and took an active part in the incorporation of the town of Stanton, and in the educational affairs of his district. He was the prime mover in having the Magnolia School district organized in 1895, and gave the name to the school, and he was a member of the first board of trustees. His ranch is near the school on Magnolia Avenue, and therefore he was more deeply interested in the maintaining of a good school, which now has an enrollment of almost 100 scholars.

On January 1, 1878, Andrew Baker was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Mills, daughter of John P. and Martha (Hayworth) Mills. Mrs. Elizabeth Baker was born in Keokuk County. Iowa, on March 8. 1853, she lived there until she was fifteen, and then accompanied the family to Jasper County, Mo where she and he were united in marriage at the city of Carthage. This happy union has been blessed with six children: Arthur G. of the Hastings Law School in San Francisco, is a well-known attorney in Los Angeles. He is married and lives in Pasadena. Fannie M. is the wife of J. T. Lyon, who owns a Real estate co., in Anaheim; Dora M. became the wife of G. N. Miller, a Veterinarian in Orange County, CA, and had two children. Viola and Alice. Dora died June 24, 1919, during child birth. Oliver G. was In charge of the Pacific Electric station at Stanton for over eight years. He owns eight highly improved acres of oranges on Stanton Avenue, where he and his wife reside. James A. owns ten acres of oranges on Broadway, was a teacher for several years, but is now a member of the realty firm of Lyon and Baker in Anaheim. He is the father of three children, Marjorie, Warren and Gerald. Paul Noble received a high school education and was an electrical engineer in the employment of the city of Los Angeles, and when the first call came for soldiers and sailors for the great World War I he enlisted as a common sailor in the U. S. Navy, and through his exceptional ability and efficient service rose to the rank of ensign. He is still in the Navy.

Mr. Baker is a firm believer in Christianity and supports all movements that ‘Come to' his notice for the elevation of the standard of morals and the social betterment of his community, He and his family are very highly esteemed by all who know them for their genuineness of character and high ideals of citizenship.

GEDCOM Note

Born 12-25-1848 on Joe T. White's place on banks of Old Mill Pond Belvedere probably the POB Also check, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina Rancher in Wilson, Kansas Blacksmith in Wilson, Indiana QUAKERS out of North Carolina/S.E. Virginia/Indiana BAKER'S were out of Buckland Plantation in North Carolina i n 1844. From their records indicate they lived in Richmond, Indiana (Andrew & Elizabeth Ann Baker). Then they went to Cedar Springs, Missouri From Missouri they went to Dwight, Kansas Then moved to El Modena, CA Then finally to BAKER RANCH was located at Ball & Magnolia . House face onto Magnolia. 40 acres of orange, and 20 acres of Walnut groves. Cotton fields in Bakersfield, CA Rancher-Wilson, Kansas Blacksmith-Richmond, Indiana