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Cullen Montgomery Baker
Cullen Baker was a Civil War era outlaw whose terrorizing, murdering, and other escapades were well known in the northeast Texas, southwest Arkansas, and northwest Louisiana area (known as Baker's Country), during the mid to late 1860's.
Considered by some to be a Robin Hood of sorts, he managed to evade capture, sometimes retreating into the Sulphur River bottoms, when trouble came his way. His journeys also led him to Perry County, AR, home of his uncle Thomas Young, on several occasions.
Cullen had only one child, Louise (Loula) Jane Baker, born May 24, 1857. She was raised by her grandfather, Hubbard Petty, after the death of her mother, Jane, in July 1860.
After the end of the Civil War, Cullen became more aggressive in his terroristic activities, losing the tolerance of his former friends and neighbors. The reward offered for Cullen added incentive for them to bring an end to his days as an outlaw.
On January 6, 1869, Cullen Baker was killed by a group of men from the community, at the farm of William (Billy) Foster, Cullen's former father-in-law.
Cullen's body was taken to Jefferson, Texas, where he was buried in the Oakwood Cemetery. His grave was unmarked for almost a century. In 1966, a tombstone was erected in a ceremony attended by relatives and interested parties.
Cullen's stories have been told for generations in the Cass County, Texas area. You might say he has become a local legend. Bloomburg, Texas hosts an annual Cullen Baker Fair, held the first Saturday in November, downtown Bloomburg.
Several books have been written telling the stories of Cullen Baker's life. Look for the titles listed below for further reading on Cullen Montgomery Baker. There is also an unpublished manuscript by T.U. Taylor, in the archives of the Texarkana, Texas Public Library.
The Borderlands and Cullen Baker, by YvonneVestal
Cullen Montgomery Baker ~ Champion of the Lost Cause, by Robert Teel
Cullen
Montgomery Baker, Reconstruction Desperado
Cullen Montgomery Baker ~ Reconstruction
Desperado, by Barry A. Crouch & Donaly E. Brice
First
Fast Draw
The First Fast Draw, by Louis L'Amour
(fictionalized)