Items pertaining to the "Baker Hoax"

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The deception circled around a purported unclaimed Baker estate in Pennsylvania, supposedly belonging to the heirs of one Jacob Baker. A vast search for his family was begun in the late 1800s and continued into the 20th century. Unfortunately, while many Baker families around the world sent genealogical "proof" of their relationships, as well as money, to the Heirs' Association, it was all a hoax. Numerous lawyers, judges and government officials were taken in and many people scammed out of their homes, farms, and life savings. As a benefit, however, many legitimate Baker family trees were produced for posterity. This poignant little collection may interest folks named Baker as well as genealogists, legal historians, and afficionados of hoaxes and true crime, as well as anyone concerned with the greedy and gullible aspects of human nature. Show more