M. T. Baker

M. T. BAKER,* a sturdy and prosperous farmer of Labette township, Labette county, Kansas, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1831, and is a son of 0. and A. (Timmana) Baker. His father was born in Virginia, and his mother first saw the light of day in Indiana. Thirteen children composed the parental family, as follows: Allen F.; A. S.; M. A.; M. T.; Isaac; E. J.; M. J.; M. E.; J. H.; G. W.; Taylor; Sarah; and M. G.

Our subject farmed in his native state, until he was twenty-two years old, when he moved to Iowa, and resided there until 1860. He then came to Kansas, where he spent eleven months, after which he returned to Indiana, and followed farming until 1883. His visit to Kansas was not, however, devoid of good results. There was a charm about this country which Mr. Baker could not resist; he accordingly returned in 1883, and located on his present farm, in the southwest quarter of section 27, Labette, township. There he has followed general farming and is largely interested in fruit growing, - having a fine, young orchard of 1,000 apple trees.

Mr. Baker married Miss B. L. Bonebrake, who was born in Indiana, in 1837, and is a daughter of D. and Catherine (Cohen) Bonebrake. Her father was born in Ohio, and her mother, in Virginia. Eleven children made up the Bonebrake family, namely: Eli, Simon, Wesley, Harry, John, E. A., C., Stephen, Dennis, B. L., and E.

Mr. Baker and his wife were blessed with 12 children: David, Alfred, C. A., Clara, and E., all of whom are deceased; J. 0., who is a farmer, and Catherine, both of whom reside in Allen county, Kansas; Harry, who lives in the Indian Territory, and is a barber by trade; J., who married A. Bentz, a farmer, - they reside four miles east of Parsons, Kansas; and Wilford, Joseph, and Eddie, who live at home. In his political belief, Mr. Baker is a Populist; he is also a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association. He and his family belong to the United Brethren church.