COLIN L. BAKER is a son of Nathan Baker and a grandson of Enoch Baker, whose father (Nathan) lived in Maryland, where, on November 28, 1788, Enoch was born, and whence when an infant he was brought to Pennsylvania. Although deprived of educational opportunities, Enoch Baker became a successful man. He first learned blacksmithing, and after serving his time at that trade worked four years as a journeyman; then purchased a farm, and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, at one time being owner of 500 acres in Amwell township. On March 3, 1814, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Jennings, and to them were born the following children: Nathan, Lemuel, Elmer, Evans, Parmelia (deceased), David (deceased), Mrs. Lucinda Stockdale (deceased) and Daniel. Enoch Baker was a very prominent Republican. In religion he was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1831, ever taking an active interest in all questions touching its welfare. His parents were Quakers. He died August 29, 1861, his wife following him to the "Better Land" August 5, 1862. Nathan Baker was born October 24, 1816, on the old home farm in Amwell township, Washington county, and obtained his education in the common schools, which at that early day afforded but meager opportunities; yet such as they were he turned to good account, and he has become a well-informed man. He left home in 1845, and the same year was wedded to Maria Horan, who bore him four sons: John W., born May 16, 1846; David E., born January 5, 1849; Robert C., born June 24, 1854, and Colin L., born July 11, 1856. Mr. Baker resided on two or three different farms, remaining on each about a year, and finally settled on a place where he remained twenty-one years, thence removed to the home he now occupies. He is a Republican, and has always been actively interested in public matters. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Colin L. Baker was born on the old farm, and moved with his father to the home where he now lives. He received a common-school education, and afterward attended the Pleasant Valley Academy, preparing himself for the profession of a teacher, which, however, he never followed. On October 12, 1883, he was united in marriage with Roberta Horn, of Amwell township, and to their union four children have been born: Bernard, born August 4, 1885; Ruby and Cherry (twins), born August 5, 1886, and Nellie, born April 4, 1889. He is a successful business man, an extensive reader and student of history, and in politics is one of the most active young Republicans in the township.

Text taken from page 1097 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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