An American Family History

Daniel Baker was born in the 1760s near Luray, Virginia which is now in Page County. His parents were Philip Baker and Anna Catherine Gramm.

When Daniel was 30 he married Magdalena (Molly) Printz. They married on June 19, 1790. The Reverend Paul Henkle officiated. Molly was born in 1770 and was the daughter of George Printz and Elizabeth Crum. 

Daniel and Molly's children inluded:
David Baker (1792, married Elizabeth Christina Bloss) and
Christina Baker (1795).

Molly probably died due to complications of childbirth in 1795.

Daniel married Molly's sister, Mary Ann Printz, on October 11, 1796 in Shenandoah County, Virginia.

Daniel and Mary's children included:
Ann Baker (1800),
Magdalena Baker (1802),
Barbara Ann Baker Griffith (1802, married Joseph Griffith),
Samuel Baker (1805), and
and John Baker (1814, married Sophia Houser).

Daniel died when he was 76 in 1846 in Page County, Virginia. His will was written on June 27, 1836 and recorded on August 24, 1846. His wife received a third of his estate for her natural life. His sons, Samuel and John received a set of blacksmith tools and his land was divided between them and David. His daughter, Anna, received a weaving loom. His daughters, Christina, Magdalena, Anna and Barbara divided nine hundred dollars. The witnesses were his brothers-in-law, John Printz, senior and junior.

In 1850 Mary was living in Page County, Virginia with Samuel, John and Anna.

By 1860 the household included John's wife, Sophia, and son, Nicholas. The post office was Valleysburg. They remained in Page County during the Civil War.

In 1870 John and his family were in Luray, Page County, Virginia and Mary and Samuel were gone. Mary Ann had died in 1866.

Shenandoah County, Virginia was established in 1772. It was originally Dunmore County.

In 1831 Page County, Virginia was created from Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties. Originally it was part of Frederick County.

Children of Philip Baker and Anna Catherine Gramm Jacob Baker John (Johannes) Baker Philip Baker Henry Baker Conrad Baker Samuel Baker Daniel Baker Martin Baker Rudolph Baker Anna Elizabeth Baker Ransbarger

from The German Element of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia by John Walter Wayland

Only a few of the early leaders of the Dunkers in Virginia were educated men; but many of them were strong in Chritian character and well furnished unto good works. One hesitates
to mention names, for the reason that others just as worthy may be overlooked; but the writer has heard the following often spoken of as men who loved their fellow men and did much, often through great sacrifice, to serve them: Rockingham, Peter Nead, John Kline, Daniel Thomas, Solomon Garber, Isaac Long, John Flory, Frederick Wampler; in Shenandoah, John Kagey, Jacob W'ine, John Neff, Abram Neff; in Frederick, Daniel Baker; in Page, Samuel Spitler.

Will of DANIEL BAKER
Will Book C-112 W
written - 27 Jun 1836 - Page Co.
Recorded - 24 Aug 1846
Sons, Samuel & John - whole set of black smith tools.
Wife, third part of all my Estate both real & personal during her natural life.
Daughter, Anna - weaving loom.
Sons, David, Samuel & John - all my land equally divided.
Daughters, Christina, Magdalan, Anna & Barbara - Nine hundred dollars in mony - equally divided.
Witnesses - John Prince Senr. [son of George Printz]; John Prince Jnr.