The parents of our subject were Benjamin and Lucy (Ives) Baker, natives of Connecticut. When he of whom we write was about twelve years old they removed from the Empire State to Williamstown, Mass., in and near which place our subject grew to manhood. His education was obtained in the district schools of New York and Massachusetts, wherein he laid a practical and solid foundation for the general intelligence which he has acquired through the public press and by observation. Farming has been his life work, and it is plain to be seen that he has an excellent understanding of his business in all its details.

In the old Bay State, December 28, 1837, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Wooster, who bore him four children. The first-born, Stephen, now lives in Independence County, Iowa; Martha A. is deceased; Helen is the wife of John McLaughlin, of Nemaha County, Neb.; Eddy is deceased. A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by Mr. Baker, December 28, 1875, his bride on this occasion being Miss Nellie O’Hara. Her father, John O’Hara, a native of Londonderry, Ireland, emigrated to America when about fourteen years old. Her mother, Sarah (Campbell) O’Hara, is a native of Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry. She came to America with her parents when about twelve years old. Mr. and Mrs. O’Hara lived in Jefferson County, N.Y., when their daughter, now Mrs. Baker, was born, but came to Peoria County, Ill., in the spring of 1869. They settled in Brimfield Township, where the widowed mother is still living. Of the eleven children born to them the following survive: Kitty, wife of J. W. Griffin, an architect in Watertown, N.Y.; Mary E., living in Brimfield Township; Nellie, Mrs. Baker; Capt. Thomas O’Hara, of this county; Susannah, wife of A. G. Church, of Fairmount, Neb.; Frances A., wife of Eddy Baker; Josephine E., of Monica. The deceased are William, John, Oliver and Sarah.

Upon coming to this county, our subject spent some four months working for his brother, Hiram Baker, at $15 per month. The most of his time was spent in breaking new land. He next farmed as a renter three years, then made a $50 payment on eighty acres of land, paying the balance in installments, the land costing $3.25 per acre. He turned the first furrow on the ground, reclaiming it from its wild condition. He has been pre-eminently successful in worldly affairs, furnishing an example well worthy the emulation and imitation of future generations. Not only so, but he has been a useful member of society, in various ways aiding in the advancement of the community, acting as School Director and active in social circles. None are more worthy of mention in this Album, and long after his body shall have been covered with the “clods of the valley” his memory will be green in the hearts of those who knew and honored him. Mr. Baker votes with the Democratic party. His good wife is a communicant of the Catholic Church.