William and Mary Baker, the immigrant ancestors, arriving in 1660
Much research has been done to show that William Baker arrived at Concord MA from England in 1660. In truth, we know litttle about them. They arrived after the “great migratation” (1620-1641) when the large influx of Puritan English emigrated to Massachusetts. A three generation tree is shown below. Since one male survived for the next two generations, all known Bakers can trace their ancestry to Joseph & Alice (Jefts) Baker. This has reduced the overall number of descendants somewhat. Nevertheless, we are left with several branches.
List of all male Bakers
All male Bakers up to the 1940 census have likely been identified .
The Baker Challenge
I am throwing down the gauntlet, and will buy a CUP OF COFFEE to anyone who can show me a male Baker born before 1940 that belongs on this list. Email the name and your proof, and I will email you back a certificate for coffee, courtesy of Starbucks.
Baker DNA
Two distinct branches from Peter Baker, son of Joseph & Sarah (Wheeler) Baker, have matching DNA. Evidence that Peter is a descendant of William & Mary Baker is strong. These results can be seen at the Baker DNA website, kit number 685995. This DNA does NOT match other well-known Baker's who immigrated into Massachusetts including Edward Baker of Lynn, Alexander Baker of Boston, and Francis Baker of Yarmouth.
The Mayflower Connection
One Branch of the Baker family (descendents of James Baker who married Mary Palmer) can trace their lineage back the Mayflower Pilgrim Howland. Here are few articles about acceptance into the society, and about the Palmer line
Joseph and Eunice Palmer of Northumberland NY
The story of Joseph and Eunice Palmer who moved from Stonington CT to the wild frontier of Saratoga County, NY.
Mayflower Application
The application documents to show that this line of the Palmer/Baker family is descended from the Mayflower Pilgrim John Howland. It was approved 26 Oct 2015
Sources
Early Massachusetts Vitals to 1849
Very early Bakers lived in Massachusetts with its plethora of early town records (Thank you Puritans). In the early 1900's books were published by each town. This website has brought most together for easy viewing.
Records of Littleton, Massachusetts
Littleton Town Records does not appear on the website above, so one needs to look through the records of Littleton directly.
Descendants of William and Mary Baker of Concord Mass. by Amos Baker, 1885
The original William Baker research used in books by Albert and Silas Baker. But you have to go Boston to read it.
Genealogy and history of the Baker, Andrus, Clark, and Adams families by Albert C Baker, 1920
Excellent source of early records, many unsourced, but available no where else. Includes Amos Baker research.
The William Thatcher Baker family, 1830-1971 : biography of William Thatcher Baker and genealogical records
Again, well researched with photos, covered a branch of the family.
Descendants of William Baker, Jr. (d. Concord, MA. 1702) by Silas F Baker, 2000
Well researched with a large number of sources identified. Available as an Amazon ebook for a very small fee.
Genealogy of William Jasper Baker by Wilma (Baker) Richard (1909-1991)
Unpublished on the internet. Excellent source of early records, many unsourced, but available no where else.
Genealogy of William Jasper Baker by Ethel (Baker) Neff, 1949
Unpublished on the internet. Covers the James Baker line of Cambria NY
Sources:
Surviving Family Accounts
1. Ethel (Baker) Neff
2. Wilma (Baker) Richard (1909-1991) was an avid genealogy and supplied great information about the descendant of James Baker (link here)