Biographies B
Elisha Baker
Elisha Baker was born September 3, 1811, in Muhlenberg County, Ky. He is one of twins in a family of eight boys and six girls born to Jacob S. and Salome (Grable) Baker, natives of Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, Penn., respectively, of German descent. Jacob S. Baker was the son of Peter S. Baker, who was born in Germany, a farmer. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Philip Grable, a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer.
Elisha was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. His father came to Kentucky about 1800, and settled first in Shelby County, later in Muhlenberg County, where he purchased several thousand acres of land. He was the owner of a number of slaves. Elisha lived with his parents until the age of eighteen, when he engaged as salesman for about five years; then engaged in the mercantile business on his own account for eighteen years; then worked at farming for a few years.
In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Third Kentucky Cavalry, under Capt. Isaac Miller. J.S. Jackson, colonel, commanding. He went into service as first lieutenant, afterward was promoted captain of the company; was in the battles of Stone River, Jonesboro, Ga.; Waynesboro, Ga.; Resaca; was in 100 or more fights; was with Gen. Kirkpatrick through Georgia; was discharged from service December 26, 1864, at Savannah.
He returned home and engaged in the drug business, in which he has been engaged ever since. He was married in December, 1850, to Maria Patton, daughter of Robert G. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Patton, natives of Christian County, Ky., and of Scotch Irish and English descent, respectively. Robert Patton was the son of Thomas Patton, who married a Miss May; they were natives of Maryland.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker - Joseph W., C.E., now in Jamestown, Dak.; Bettie (deceased wife of J.W. Lamb), Robert P. (deceased), and Anna May (Morgan). Mrs. Baker died April 26, 1876, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Source: Battle, J.H., W.H. Perrin, and G.C. Kniffen. Kentucky: A History of the State. Louisville, KY: F.A. Battey, 1885. Page 896.
Updated July 6, 2018