A KNICKERBOCKER LEGACY: The Baker Family and The Edgar Family of Rahwa

A KNICKERBOCKER LEGACY: The Baker Family and The Edgar Family of Rahway N.J. and N.Y.C. (Hardcover with Dust Jacket)

75⁰⁰

By John Milnes Baker

Jacobus Backer and Margaret Stuyvesant were married in New Amsterdam in 1655. They were the progenitors of the families traced in this book.

The term Knickerbocker derives from Washington Irving’s 1809 A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty and of course signifies a connection to “Old New York.”

Fifty years ago there was no such thing as the Internet. There certainly was no ancestry.com and the nation’s fascination with family history and genealogy was unimagined.

There have long been numerous historical and genealogical organizations which usually require a “qualifying ancestor” to join. But the current popular interest in family history was generally considered rather esoteric. All that has changed in recent years, however, and I believe the timing of this updated publication is propitious.

One’s surname doesn’t have to be Baker or Edgar to find this book relevant. There are well over three hundred names other than Baker and Edgar in the index alone, and many of these families are also represented in the book, many with individual genealogical charts.

(470p., Illus., Index, 2024)

Hardcover only, includes dust jacket.

Comment from the Author:

This is not a "review" as such as I am the author. However, I would like to quote from The Preface to the New Edition: "I repeat what I wrote fifty years ago: It is my hope that in this increasingly diverse society there will be a sense of kinship and family affiliation - not just for someone with the surname Baker or Edgar - but for the literally infinite family names that are a part of the extended clan. We are all a part of a history of family and kinship. An understanding and knowledge of that concept is an entree into all history." My final thought: " A book like this is never really completed I hope that in the years to come some member of our Tribe, perhaps yet unborn, will 'answer the call and take my place in the long line of family story tellers.' As I noted in the preface to this edition, Sue Monk Kidd's admonition: 'Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.' "

Every single person has a family history and stories to tell. So let's hear more!

-- John Milnes Baker

ISBN: 978-0-7404-8085-0

This book should have at least TEN stars!

I am always suspicious when a book receives 5 stars by every reader -- but, in this case, if I could break the pattern by adding a few more stars I would.
This book, A Knickerbocker Legacy, the 50th Anniversary Edition, by John Milnes Baker, could serve as an example for anyone seeking to chronicle their family's history. The way to do it is with presenting very real people, (and Mr Baker does this wonderfully well).
The family, in their wide variety, come to life on these pages. Many are highly accomplished, leaving their mark on the world by building America's government, and also our railroads, founding famous schools, libraries, and launching banks, among other things. Some are witty and just plain delightful to read about.
The book is huge, not far under 500 pages, and beautifully presented, with abundant photographs and also line illustrations (the author is a well known architect and knows how to draw!). It almost goes without saying that the book is meticulously researched and documented.
I could not recommend this book in higher terms than to say it is endlessly interesting as a historical record, and one learns a lot, in a most enjoyable way, from having the book on hand, whether to read cover to cover, or to dip into from time to time. Either way, it is time well spent.

Fascinating Glimpses into the Past

I have been thoroughly enjoying the Knickerbocker Legacy, 50th anniversary edition. The depth of detail, along with family trees, charts, photographs and letters make for a fascinating history of the early NYC area (aka New Amsterdam). It has helped me feel a connection with the past that is truly special.

Genealogy at its Best

"A Knickerbocker Legacy" offers a fascinating history of a family with its roots in Dutch New York that spread across the country over the next 375 years. Among the highlights are many photographs that help tell the story, as well as detailed charts that help trace this distinguished family's activities across the centuries. Of particular note are the often moving diaries of several family members. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in ancestry.

A history of a family, NY and America

I’m so glad to own my new revised edition of ‘A Knickerbocker Legacy.’ It is filled with stories, photographs, charts and timelines that would interest anyone who has a passion for history. There are stories about schools known to many, cities we love, hunting with birds, dogs, travel, and so much more. John Milnes Baker is a gifted raconteur that can endlessly entertain a reader or anyone who is lucky enough to know him.

A Tribe of my Own

My mother was one of the four children adopted by Charlotte Sanford Baker (1858-1932) and her partner Clara B. Spence (1859-1923). It was an act of great kindness and courage. Charlotte and Clara were partners in life and in business (The Spence School, New York City).

Because Charlotte had to alone legally adopt my mother, my Tribe is Baker.

John Milnes Baker's 1972 volume and now this 50th Edition are my Rock of Gibraltar. I refer to the 1972 volume several times a year to answer my own and other Baker-Spence family member questions. Yes, I have to blow the dust off on every occasion, but I do refer to it.

The new additions to the 50th. are superb and I commend the contributors. I am amazed when I recognize the name of a person I have met in my lifetime, but never knew our Baker connection. Photographs, biographies and personal diaries add historical context to the Family Charts.

I thank John for his embrace of the four Baker-Spence adopted children into the family. I have talked/texted him many times by phone, but we have never met.

I encourage you to visit page 457 of the 50th, Edition. Truly, John Milnes Baker is the Story Teller of our Tribe.

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A KNICKERBOCKER LEGACY: The Baker Family and The Edgar Family of Rahway N.J. and N.Y.C. (Hardcover with Dust Jacket)

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