LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Annual Baker Family Reun-
ion

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that the heritage of the State
of New York has been strengthened by the quality and character of its
families and their commitment to the values upon which the State was
founded; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of these family values, and in accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 150th Annual Baker Family Reunion to be held in Saratoga
County in the Town of Malta; and
WHEREAS, The Baker Family traces its roots to James Baker, born April
28, 1765, on Long Island, who numbered among the children of Peter and
Mary Baker; James had one son by his first wife, Cornelia Westervelt;
after Cornelia's death, James Baker married Ruth Post in Dutchess Coun-
ty, and they had 15 sons; and
WHEREAS, James Baker and three of his brothers fought in the Revolu-
tionary War, with James Baker serving in the New York Militia of Dutch-
ess County under Colonel Brinkerhoff; and
WHEREAS, The James Baker family eventually settled in the Town of
Stillwater, Saratoga County, in 1800, in a homestead still standing on
Viall Avenue Hill in Stillwater, about one half-mile north of the City
of Mechanicville; and
WHEREAS, The 15 sons of James and Ruth Post Baker subsequently moved
to various parts of Saratoga County, where they became farmers,
merchants, professionals and public servants; and
WHEREAS, There are now thousands of descendants of those 15 sons
living throughout Saratoga County, the Capital District, the Empire
State, the United States and abroad; and
WHEREAS, The Baker Family maintains the best traditions of those
earliest of Bakers, whose family bonds promoted their care of each
other, and of their neighbors and friends, as is reflected again in this
150th Anniversary family gathering; and
WHEREAS, The Baker Family has over the last centuries maintained,
honored, and cherished those ideals, principles, and basic freedoms so
fundamental to our American heritage; and
WHEREAS, It is the Baker family's pride in its own heritage, a
reflection of American heritage, which recommends the Baker Family for
special commendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and
commemorate the 150th Annual Baker Family Reunion, and extend the best
wishes of the people of New York State upon this memorable occasion; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph A. Cutshall-King, 2014 President of the Baker Family
Reunion.