John Reagen Baker

Born in Tennessee in 1809, Baker joined the Texan auxiliary corps of the Federalist army at Fort Lipantitlán in 1839 and followed Ewen Cameron through the campaign, fighting at Ojo de Agua near Saltillo on October 23, 1840. He fought hand to hand at Salado Creek in 1842. On the Mier expedition he commanded a spy company and helped lead the break at Salado on February 11, 1843, where he was wounded; in the hospital he escaped the Black Bean episode, but he was held in Perote Prison until September 1844. He later ranched near Stockdale, dying in 1904.

What the plaque says

John Reagen Baker Adventurer-soldier of early Texas. Fought in Mexico to win freedom for the unsuccessful "Republic of Rio Grande" in 1840. Was elected sheriff of Refugio County and organized a company of minutemen. In 1842 he fought against three Mexican raids into Texas. Then participated in the disastrous Somervell and Mier expeditions into Mexico, during which he was wounded. Returned to Texas and entered mercantile business. Wife was Avis (Brown). Recorded -- 1969

Where it stands

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