I have a family I am researching that names and dates are confusing. Info on the man I am researching is from his funeral records, submitter was his son Lester BAKER. Leonard BAKER was born in Jasper, AR on 31 Jul 1919. Leonard Baker's dad was listed as John Levi BAKER. The mom was listed as Dora Belle TOREX. Leonard Baker lived near Essex, Stoddard County, MO. He had lived near Bloomfield, Stoddard County, MO. His funeral service was held at Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Stoddard County, MO. He died 15 Dec 1996 at his home near Essex, Stoddard County, MO.

In the 1910 & 1920 census Dora Belle TORIX was living in the household of her mom & dad. So how could she be Leonard's mom? In 1910 census she was listed as Isabella TORIX on 15 Apr 1910 in Franklin County, AR. In the 1920 census she was listed as Belle TORIX on 21 Jan 1920 in Newton County, AR. She was married to Virgil Lewis COWELL on 27 Apr 1920 in Newton County, AR. Their children were said to be Leonard BAKER'S half siblings. They lived in Johnson County, AR in 1930 & 1940 and had 6 children.

I haven't found Leonard BAKER in any censuses which proves who Leonard is. I haven't found a John Levi BAKER that could prove to be Leonard's dad. John must have died after Leonard was born (1919) and may have been raised by his father's parents. Seems like I was told he may have been raised by his grandparents. This may be why Leonard's not with Dora Belle TORIX in 1920.

Leonard Baker married Delphia Juanita HOLFORD and their son, Lester BAKER was born 1 Feb 1947 near Manila, Mississippi or Craighead County, AR. They had 6 or 7 children, (3 or 4 girls and 3 boys).

If anyone knows anything about these families I sure would like to communicate with you. Contact me through my email: loiscarmack@cablerocket.com