Michael Baker

One fo the first things I noticed about this descendant was how he spelled his last name or, more accurately, home someone spelled it for him as he signed his will with "his mark." So much for his grandfather being a schoolteacher and his father being able to sign his name.

Michael was born in 1880 and little else is known about him until he purchased Baker's Mill. Since he was unable to inherit directly when his father died, I would venture to guess that he inherited money at age 18 and probably went out on his own. Whatever he did and wherever he went, he did not own any real estate and was not a head of household in any Census report until 1810 when he appeared on the Census rolls for Rowan County. United States Census reports began in 1790 and listed by name only heads of households. Data also included were number of males over age 16, females over age 16, and slaves.

Michael married Catherine who died July 3, 1827 at age 52. She is buried in the Old Savits Cemetery which is now part of Mt. Zion Untied Church of Christ near China Grove in Rowan County. WHen Michael died on November 4, 1840 at age 70 he was buried beside her. Michael and Catherine had five sones and six daughters who inherited at his death and in the Appendix is a copy of his will. He bequeathed the mill to his son, Jacob.