except one. Tom Banks died of heart failure while attending a ball game at Paris, Texas, in 1933. He served first as county clerk in Red River County, then as district clerk, and was serving as district clerk at the time of his death. He was a very efficient man in clerical work around the courthouse.

[The Baker Family]

J. W. Baker, the head of a prominent family of this county, descended from a family that settled in the early days in Maryland -- in the latter part of the 17th century. John Baker, the [?great-]grandfather of James W., served in the War of 1812 with great credit to himself and was commended for bravery. He had two sons, one of whom, Obadiah, settled in Tennessee, where he married and a son from this marriage, Alexander A., became the father of the subject of this sketch.

James W. Baker was born March 25, 1837, and at the age of 19 years came to Texas. He spent a few years in the lumber business and afterwards was engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, 23rd Texas Cavalry of the Confederate service and at the close of the War returned to Red River County, where he lived until his death. After returning to Red River County he served as justice of the peace, sheriff and county commissioner. The marriage of Mr. Baker took place at the age of 18 years to Miss Caroline, the daughter of Thomas Ward, in east Tennessee, in 1855. This marriage was blessed with nine children in the following order: Benjamin F., John K.,