Asbury Hicks Baker

Known by Hicks, he was one of 3 brothers who formed J. D. Baker & Brothers, owners and editors of the Colorado Citizen newspaper in Columbus, TX, which began its long run in 1857. In 1860 the brothers, their sister Martha, and Hicks' new wife Elizabeth were living together in Columbus.

He enlisted there in the Columbus Greys, a local infantry company on 22 July 1861 and mustered for state service on 21 August. He enlisted again, with Lt. Roberdeau on 21 March 1862 at Columbus and mustered as a Private in Company B, 5th Texas Infantry.

He gave up his rifle to carry a flag and was mortally wounded in the leg in action at Sharpsburg on 17 September 1862 and "left on the field." He died there the same day.

Hicks [fell] just as we entered the [East] woods, carrying the regimental flag. Here I shall speak of him only to say he possessed all the attributes of the soldier and genuine friend.

His service from Polley,1 his Compiled Service Records,2 online from fold3, and rosters of Texas State Troops from Colorado County, online from the Archives Division, Texas State Library; all as A. Hicks Baker. The quote above from Captain Roberdeau in his Reminiscences (1899). Personal details from family genealogists and the US Census of 1860.

He married Elizabeth Comfort Gray Secrest (1841-1924) in April 1860 and they had a son Frank.

His brother James (1826-1898) had also enlisted in Company B in 1862, but was ill and not with Hicks at Sharpsburg. He was discharged soon after for disability.

c. 1839; Cass County, TX

09/17/1862; Sharpsburg, MD