John H Baker, Brother of George W Baker

 

And at the same time and place came John H. Baker, who being duly sworn according to law in relation to the matters in the caption, hereof mentioned upon his oath deposed as follows:

 

I reside in the county of Carroll and State of Arkansas and was living about a mile and three quarters from George W. Baker in April 1857 when he started to move to California. I was well acquainted with the property and outfit with which he started, and had in his possession when he started to move. He left for California in April 1857, and had with him his wife, 4 children; Melissa Ann Beller, D.W. Beller, and two hired hands. He had about 136 head of stock cattle. He had eight yoke of work oxen which he worked to his wagons and I think several extra yoke. He had 3 head of horses. Two ox wagons, guns, provisions, clothing, camp equipage:

• His stock cattle being 136 in number was low at $15 per head $ 2040.00

• 8 yoke of work oxen @ $55.00 per yoke $ 440.00

• 3 young mares were worth $125.00 each $ 375.00

• 2 ox wagons $ 275.00

• 1 shot gun worth, in cash $ 35.00

• 1 rifle worth $ 50.00

• His clothing, beds, bedding, provisions, and general outfit for the move for self & family was worth in cash here: $ 600.00

$ 3815.00

 

As to the cash on hand when he started, I do not now remember and can not say what amount he had. I know he had money but the amount I do not know. I have made the above estimate at that I think the property was worth here; that is at what it could have been cashed for.

I know the 3 children brought back here to be the children of George W. Baker, and from what information I have been able to gather from them, and from information received from others, I am fully satisfied that George W. Baker and all who went with him, except the three children who have been brought back here, were all killed at a place known as "Mountain Meadows" and further this deponent saith not, so help me God.

 

J.H. Baker

 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 23rd day of October A.D. 1860.

John Bunch, J.P.