Washington L. Baird, M. D., is a prominent physician of Hickory Valley, a native of Fayette County, Tenn., born April 16, 1839, the sixth of eight children born to Capt. Charles and Nancy T. (Roberts) Baird, who were both of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a native of North Carolina, born July 16, 1797, and in early life came with his parents to Robertson County, Tenn. He was a Democrat in politics, for a number of years was captain of the State militia and a member of Primitive Baptist Church. His death occurred in Fayette County February 11, 1871. The mother was a native of Tennessee, born March 7. 1807; she was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church and died in Fayette County, September 17, 1867. Washington L. received a good education in youth and having selected the medical profession, attended lectures at the Memphis Medical College. In 1860, he began the practice of his profession with an elder brother in Dallas County, Ark., remaining there one year, when he returned to Tennessee and began practicing in Springfield. September 26, 1861, Dr. Baird married Miss Callie V. Cunningham, a native of Davidson County, born in 1842, and to them have been born six children, one son deceased. In the spring of 1862, he moved to Dallas County, Ark., where he practiced medicine until the fall of 1863, when he enlisted as a private of volunteers and remained with Maj. Gen. Holmes one year. The entire company to which he belonged was captured, but he escaped capture while on duty as quartermaster. He then came to Tennessee and joined Gen. Forrest and remained with him until the close of the war. He then returned to Fayette County, remaining a short time with his father; then returned to Arkansas, for two years; then returned to Tennessee and after practicing at different points, settled in Hickory Valley where he has since remained. Dr. Baird has two married sisters whose husbands are distinguished men: Lamiza A., whose husband is Judge Joseph C. Stark of Springfield, Robertson County, and Emma H., whose husband is Louis T. Cobb, now a member of the State Legislature and represents the Twelfth Senatorial District. Dr. Baird is a Democrat in politics and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church which he has served as recording steward seven years.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”