Ruth Baker writes... Ruth Baker writes...
Note from: CFK: I am very delighted to announce that Ruth Teaford Baker will be sharing her family history and stories from her past on this website. Ms. Baker also has a webpage that will include more information about her books.
Ruth Teaford Baker began life in a coal-mining camp near Townley, Alabama. The family moved soon afterward to a large farm two miles out of Townley on the Fayette Road, now Highway 102. She was the youngest of 12 children born to Luther N. and Mary Atkins Romine. Her family background traces its roots to America in 1660, and to this area just after the War of 1812. She attended Walker College in Jasper and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Her degrees include a B.S. in English/History; M.A. in Education/English; M.A. in School Administration; A.A. in Education/English.
Her awards include: “Favorite Teacher of Alabama, 1980,” “Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, 1982,” “Finalist in Jacksonville State University Hall of Fame,” Business and Professional Women’s “Woman of Achievement,” (local and district), “Walker County’s Mother of the Year,” “State of Alabama Governor’s Award,” Three “House of Representatives of Alabama Award.”
Mrs. Teaford-Baker’s historical research began while teaching English in Townley Jr. High School. She began writing featured newspaper articles in the DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE in 1979, concerning the history of the area, its people and their ways. Her husband of 43 years, Paul Teaford, deceased as did her only son, James Cecil Files. She is married to Thomas H. Baker of Atlanta and has her daughter-in-law, Judy Campbell Files, two grandson Jamie and Jeffrey and three great-grandchildren Cayson, Callie, and Bryson. The Bakers live in a home joining the original home place at Townley. She retired as principal of Oakman Elementary School.
The Bakers are active members at the Townley Church of God where she serves on the Board of Trustees, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and teaches an adult Sunday School Class.
Your Host for Walker County, Alabama Betty T Miller
