Cullen Baker - Early Life

Early Life

Baker was born in Weakley County, Tennessee, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Baker. Soon after his birth his family moved to Clarksville, Arkansas, and as Cullen Baker matured he spent much of his time in the saloons and bars in and around what is now Lafayette and Miller Counties. His father was a farmer, and owned several head of cattle in addition to working his crops in the fields. Even at a young age Cullen Baker is said to have developed a quick temper, in addition to having a habit of drinking heavily and often.

On January 11, 1854 in Cass County, Texas Baker married Martha Jane Petty, and for a time he settled a bit. Martha Jane Petty was the daughter of Hubbard and Nancy Petty. However, eight months into his marriage, while out drinking with friends, he became involved in a verbal altercation with a youth named Stallcup. Baker became enraged, grabbed a whip, and beat the boy to near death. There were several witnesses to the incident, and Baker was soon charged with the crime. One of the witnesses, Wesley Bailey, was confronted by Baker at Bailey's home. Baker shot him in both legs with a shotgun, then left him lying in front of his house. Bailey died a few days later. Before he could be arrested for the murder, Baker fled to Arkansas, where he stayed with an uncle. On May 24, 1857, Martha Jane Baker gave birth to a baby girl, Louisa Jane. On June 2, 1860, Martha Jane Baker died. Cullen Baker then returned to Texas, where he left his daughter with his in-laws.

Baker returned to Arkansas, but word of his crimes had spread, and a local woman named Beth Warthom was openly critical of him. He took several hickory switches to her house, and threatened to beat her. Her husband, David Warthom, began to fight with Baker, and overwhelmed him in front of the house. Beth Warthom screamed, and her husband looked her way. With his attention drawn away from Baker, he was stabbed once with a knife Baker had in his possession. Warthom died on the spot. Baker fled back to Texas, and in July, 1862, he married his second wife Martha Foster, who was unaware that he was wanted for murder. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Young Foster.