William H. Baker

son of Samuel Baker, of New England, William H. Baker was born November 26, 1796, in Albany, N.Y. He was married, January 3, 1826, to Huldah Pettit, of Benton, Herkimer Co., N.Y. who was born May 21, 1800; they came to Macomb County in the fall of 1827; settled in the town of Ray, on Section 8. With the assistance of some of his neighbors, he built a small log cabin and went into it without door or window. His doors, window frames and sash, chairs, table and bedsteads were the work of his own hands, without paint or varnish. Their only neighbors within sight were wild beasts such as deer and wolves, which came around their dwelling in abundance. One night, Mrs. Baker was engaged in boiling sap to relieve her husband, who was tired out with constant work, day and night. She had with her little son, James, who was about 5 years of age. He soon fell asleep, lying on a quilt beneath a tree near the boiling place. Soon after beginning her work of the evening, the wolves came so near she could hear them walking, and see their eyes sparkling in the darkness. She kept the long-handled dipper in the hot sap and the fire burning brightly, and after howling about an hour or two, they went off and the brave woman kept on with her work until relieved by her husband.

They had 4 children, one of whom still lives. In 1841, they went back to New York to take care of Mrs. Baker's parents. In 1844, they returned to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County, at a place afterward called Baker's Corners, where they remained for 10 years. The rest of his life was spent in various places in Macomb County. They were members of the M.E. Church. In 1853, Mr. Baker was licensed to exhort, and shortly after was granted local license, and followed this calling until his death. He died in 1870, July 9, six miles northwest of Armada Village. Mrs. Baker still survives, at the age of 82 years. Mr. Baker is remembered with the kindest of feelings.(as of 1882).