Josiah Baker, Sr. P. O., Slater. Known as the "Father of Slater," the son of Joseph and Mary Baker, was born, September 23, 1814, in Pickaway county, Ohio, from whence his parents, when he was only six years old, moved to Ross county, Ohio, where he was raised on a farm. He was married, April 7, 1836, to Miss Emma Schooley, daughter of William Schooley of Ross county, Ohio. He settled down to farming after his marriage, for several years renting; and then bought a a farm, and began steadily to engage his trading in live stock, which he has made a life business. For fourteen years, he and his brother James, bought cattle in the west, drove to Ohio, fed, and shipped east. In 1864 he came to Saline county, Missouri and purchased 700 acres of land, upon part of which the city of Slater now stands, and, afterwards, 400 acres more on the Petite Saw Plains. Being a member of the Christian church, Mr. Baker united with Mt. Zion church, in this county, which has since been moved to Slater. He has three brothers living in this county: James, David and Joseph—and had a fourth—Martin, who died here. Has five children living; Matilda, Sarah, Emma, Josiah and Erskine. His great grandfather was a Baptist preacher, his grandfather, also a Baptist preacher, was a revolutionary soldier, and his father, also a Baptist preacher, was a soldier in the war of 1812.
