Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Robert "Boston Bob" Baker

Submitted by Harley T. Bowling

Boston at the age of 63, enrolled August 14, 1863 at Irvine, Kentucky in Company C, 47^th Regiment of Kentucky Infantry Volunteers and was discharged December 26, 1864 at Lexington.

During his service with the 47^th Regiment, Boston was a participant in the Battle of Cynthiana against Colonel John Hunt Morgan's rebels. Morgan started this raid with 2,500 men. After attacking Lexington and Georgetown, he arrived in Cynthiana and captured 2000 union troops, Boston among them. In order to escape the units of union General Burbridge, Morgan was forced to release the 2000 prisoners.

In Boston's own words:
While in the service and in the line of duty, on or about the (day not given) day of month (month not given ) 1864, at or near the town of Cynthiana in the state of Kentucky, while under command of Colonel Clark and engaged in battle with the rebels under rebel Morgan; was taken prisoner by the rebels and made to march in double quick two days and nights without food or drink. Since which time he has been entirely unable for any kind of manual labor and although he remained with the regiment until muster out, he never was able for duty any more.

Boston is listed as being five feet, eight inches with fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, occupation farmer, on his service record.

Robert "Boston Bob" Baker was born April 29, 1800 in Lee County, Virginia. He was the son of Robert "Julius Bob" Baker and Elizabeth "Liddie" Hammonds. Boston was married three times, lst to Sarah Rogers who died about 1843, the daughter of William Rogers and Nancy Wasborn, 2^nd to Polly Couch about 1844 who apparently died 1846, married 3^rd to Hettie Cornett. Boston had eighteen children; thirteen by Sarah Rogers; one by Polly Couch; four by Hettie Cornett.

Boston and Sarah Rogers' children:
Martha Baker m. Robert McCollum
William Baker b. 2-4-1822 d. 1-15-1850 m. Matilda Abner
Elizabeth Baker b. 1825 m. Henderson McCollum
Jane "Jennie" Baker b. 1-5-1827 m. 4-6-1843 Andrew Bishop
Robert Baker, Jr. b. 3-13-1831 m. 7-2-1853 Esther Anglin
Esther Baker b. 1832 m. William Bishop, John Collins
Zilpha Baker b. 8-3-1833 m. 9-15-1858 Elijah Bowling
Nathaniel "Sharper" Baker b. 1834 m. 12-23-1854 Jane "Jenny" Barrett
Christina Baker b. 5-15-1835 m. Samuel Barker
George "Baldy" Baker b. 2-20-1837 m. Rachel Strong, Charlotte Sawyers
Lucinda Baker b. 1838 m. John D. Bowling, Theophilus Hensley
Levisa "Vicy" Baker b. 1-7-1843 m. Perry Bishop
Mary Ann Baker m. James Bowling (there question about this Mary Ann Baker)

Boston and Mary "Polly" Couch:
Harrison Baker b. 1845

Boston and Hettie Cornett:
John H. Baker b. 1-20-1857 m. Sarah Setser
Brack Baker b. 9-27-1859 m. Sarah Elizabeth Fry
David Baker b. 2-16-1861 m. Ibby Allen
Andrew Baker b. 10-22-1864 m. America Davidson