Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/325

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY


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their return from Kentucky, Mr. and Mrs. Baker took up their abode at the old home- stead, "Greenwood," at the head of the Opequon river, where their home was shared by several of her sisters, and soon became distinguished as the seat of a generous hos- pitality, which intelligence adorned and grace refined and to which the personal at- tractions of mind and heart of the hostess gave special charm. She was a woman of rare worth and her sterling character was appreciated by a large circle of friends, but in her own home she was honored with an affection and confidence never excelled. She was in full sympathy with her husband in his church work and like him died a tri- umphant death. Sons : Lieutenant Samuel and Colonel James Carr (2) Baker. Lieu- tenant Baker died in 1904, served in the Confederate army during the entire war. He married Margaret Heist, of Winchester, and had issue : Harry, Joseph, Alexander, Graham, George, Emily.

Colonel James Carr (2) Baker was_ born at "Greenwood," Winchester, Frederick county, Virginia, October 7, 1851. His early education was directed by private teachers, after which he entered Shenandoah Valley Academy, one of the three educational insti- tutions of learning for which Winchester is noted. His home in the Shenandoah was frequently the scene of military operations during the years 1861-65, and as a boy he witnessed the many efforts of both sides to control that rich valley of \'irginia, W'in- chester especially figuring in the military history of that period. After leaving the academy. Colonel Baker continued his studies at Romney Institute in West Vir- ginia and under private tutors until begin- ing the study of law under Judge James \^^ Allen's preceptorship. He was admitted to the Virginia bar at the age of twenty-one years and from that date until the present has been engaged in the practice of his pro- fession privately and as commonwealth at- torney in the states of Virginia and West Virginia.

He began practice at Moonfield. county seat of Hardy county. West Virginia, con- tinuing there in successful practice until 1876. when he accepted an important posi- tion under the state government at Wheel- ing, where he remained until 1880. He then returned to Virginia, locating at ^^'oodstock, in the fertile Shenandoah Valley, the county viR-49


seat of Shenandoah county. He remained at Woodstock for nineteen years, spending seven of these years in the private practice of his profession and twelve years as com- monwealth attorney of the county, an office to which he was first elected in 1884.

In i8g8, as colonel of the Second Regi- ment Virginia National Guard, he served with his regiment in the Spanish-American war, his regiment being held in Jacksonville, Florida, until their release from the United States service in 1899. After returning from militarj- duty Colonel Baker located in New- port News, Virginia, where he was engaged in general law practice from 1899 until 1906. In the latter year he located in Stephens City, Frederick county, Virginia, and has there been engaged in the practice of his profes- sion until the present date (1915), has been admitted to practice in all state and federal courts of the district, has ever commanded a large practice wherever located, is learned in the law. skillful in the application, honor- a1)Ie and upright in his professional and daily life, a man of culture and refinement, highly esteemed wherever known. He is a member of the bar associations of the district, is a past master of I\Ioorefield Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is a companion of Wheeling Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a communicant of the Episcopal church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has ever been an ardent supporter of the tenets and a worker for party success. Since coming to Stephens City he served for two years as mayor, 1912-13, and now is a justice of the peace. His military service in the Virginia National Guard began in 1886 and in 1898 he was elected colonel of the Second Regi- ment, holding that command until 1900.

Colonel Baker married. .April 7, 1874, Ada Keene, born in Dorchester county. Mary- land. May 18, 1854. daughter of John R. and Henrietta (Chaplaine)" Keene. Children: r. Anna Llewellyn, born in Aloonfield, West \'irginia ; educated in Episcopal Female In- stitute, taking special courses in music, now instructor in music in Ft. Loudoun Semi- nary. 2. Susan Glass, born in Moorefield, West Virginia : educated in the grammar and high schools of Woodstock. Virginia; married Rev. A\'alter Mitchell, of Charles- ton, South Carolina, a clergvman of the Protestant Episcopal church; children: Ewing Young and .A.da Carr. 3. Ada Carr,