Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Jonathan Hamilton Baker
(July 13, 1832 - October 18, 1918)
In 1859 Baker was chosen to lead a company of local men organized to defend the area against Indian attacks. He first served under Capt. J.R. Baylor and later participated with Capt. Lawrence Sullivan Ross in the recovery of Cynthia Ann Parker, the white woman seized by Comanches in 1836. During the Civil War he served as the leader of the Home Guard.
Baker was also an open range cattleman, and in 1869 he began driving his herds to Kansas railheads. Active in local government, he served as Deputy Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, Deputy postmaster and clerk of the county and district. In 1890 he moved to Granbury, where he became a successful nurseryman.
For over 60 years Baker kept a detailed diary, which now provides a thorough account of his distinguished life and the frontier of Texas.
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2842.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 32° 46.043′ N, 98° 17.947′ W. Marker is in Palo Pinto, Texas, in Palo Pinto County. Marker is at the intersection of Oak Street and South 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Oak Street. The marker is located in front of the County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 520 Oak Street, Palo Pinto TX 76484, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Courthouses of Palo Pinto County (here, next to this marker); John Richard Winters (here, next to this marker); Palo Pinto County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Palo Pinto Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old County Jail (about 500 feet away); First Baptist Church of Palo Pinto (about 700 feet away); First Christian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Palo Pinto Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palo Pinto.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.