Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/467

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\ IkiilXIA BIOCRAI'HY


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dying, bequeathed to his state a son bearing his own name, who in war and peace worth- ily upheld the family name. Eminent in law, and until his death an honored resi- dent of Norfolk, where his entire profes- sional life was spent, he in turn gave to the bar of X'irginia a son, Richard Henry (3) IJakcr, who from 1880 until 191 1, was his father's partner. Judge Richard Henry (i) Baker married Lelia A. Barraud, of French descent, her ancestors coming to Virginia in the year 1700. Children: Richard Henry (2), of whom further; Mary B., married Thomas L. Barraud; Kate Hansford, mar- ried Samuel Wilson; Lelia B., married Dr. Robert Barraud Taylor ; Dr. Philip Barraud Baker; Emily Eyre, married Hon. T. S. Garnett.

Richard Henry (2) Baker, son of Judge Richard Henry (i) Baker, was born in Suf- folk, Nansemond county. Virginia, Decem- ber 18. 1826, died in Norfolk, Virginia, Feb- ruary I, 191 1, after an honorable profes- sional life in that city, covering a period of sixty-one years. He was educated at the l)Ovs' School in Amelia county, Virginia, then conducted by William H. Harrison, the Episcopal High School near Alexandria, \Trginia, and Norfolk Academy, entering the University of Virginia in 1847. There he pursued a course of legal study, and in 1850 was graduated Bachelor of Law. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army. Third Virginia Battalion, and later was pro- moted quartermaster, wath the rank of major, organizing the quartermaster's de- partment in Norfolk. In 1862 he was elected a member of the Virginia house of delegates, and was continued in that of^ce until 1865. After the war he resumed the practice of law in Norfolk, and rose rapidly in his profession, in 1880 he admitted his son, Richard Henry (3) Baker, to a partner- ship, and as Richard H. Baker & Son the firm became one of the leading law firms of the city. ^Ir. Baker Sr. was at the time of his death a member of the Virginia Bar Association, and the Norfolk and Ports- mouth l')ar Association, lie was honored in his profession, and in his long legal life of sixty-one years spent at the Norfolk bar proved the integrity of his life, the depth of his learning, his devotion to the strictest code of legal ethics, and the high quality of his citizenship. Prior to the war between the states, he was a Whig in politics, but


with the passing of that party he allied him- self with the Democratic organization, and ever after acted with that party. He served, as stated, in the Virginia house of delegates, 1862-65 ; was appointed in 1872 a member of the board of visitors of the University of Virginia, serving four years. He was ever actively mterested in public afifairs, in every way possible contributed to the growth and prosperity of his city, and took a keen interest in many charitable organiza- tions. He received many evidences of the high regard of his fellowmen, and in his life justified the favorable opinion so universally expressed.

Mr. Baker married, November 12, 1850, Anna Maria, daughter of Judge David and Maria (Pegram) May, of Petersburg, Vir- ginia. Children: Maria B., married J. J. Burroughs ; Lelia Barraud, died aged twen- ty-five years; Richard Henry (3), of whom further ; Kate Hansford, married George G. Hobson (q. v.); Lucy Lee; Dr. Benjamin M. Baker, married, October 11, 1894, Theo- dosia Burr Potts, and has children : Helen May, Richard Henry (4), Benjamin M. (2) ; Emily G., married Thomas B. Lane ( q. v.).

Richard Henry (3) Baker, eldest son of Richard Henry (2) and Anna Maria (May) Baker, was born in Petersburg, Virginia, November 29, 1855. He was educated in private schools of Norfolk, Virginia, Han- over Academy, and the University of Vir- ginia, pursuing at the latter institution the study of law for two years, 1876-78. After two years he withdrew, continuing to study under the preceptorship of his honored father, then senior member of the law firm of Baker & Walke, of Norfolk, Mrginia. He continued with that firm until his admis- sion to the bar in 1880, when Baker & W^alke dissolved, father and son then forming a law partnership that continued until dis- solved by the death of the senior partner, February i, 191 1. The life of Richard Henry (3) Baker is one of wide activities. A large part of his business has been the management and settlement of estates in the courts of chancery, and acting as gen- eral counsel for various companies and cor- porations. He is learned in the law\ skillful in its application, and is guided by the high- est principles of integrity. In his private life he is true to the code that governs men of honor and is held in highest esteem. He has interests outside of his profession, and