ROBERT WESLEY BAKER, M.D. Although this gentleman has still some distance to travel before reaching the shady side of life, and is comparatively young in his profession also, he has a large practice in Peoria, a reputation second to none among his medical associates, and is looked upon with respect for his excellent personal character, pleasing social qualities and cultured mind. He is descended from respectable Kentucky families, and is himself a native of the State among whose professional men he enjoys so high a rank.

The parents of Dr. Baker, Squire and Elizabeth (Clark) Baker, came to the Prairie State, in 1832, from their native Blue Grass region. Their family consisted of thirteen children, of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. Eleven members of the family circle are now living, three sons being in Kansas, three in Southern Illinois, one in Washington, Tazewell County, and two daughters in Woodford County. The father was a farmer, skilful, industrious and highly respected.

Dr. Baker was born in Washington, Tazewell County, February 3, 1849, received his fundamental instruction in the common schools of his native county and completed his literary course in Eureka College, where he was a student two years. His tastes having led him to choose the medical profession for his life-work, he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, taking a thorough course, graduating in the class of 1879, and receiving the degree of M. D. The same spring he selected Peoria as the field of his future operations, coming to his new home with the determination to keep pace with the advancement of his chosen science, to exert all his powers in the work before him and maintain a high ideal as a practitioner.

Although no politician, Dr. Baker is always found ready to deposit his vote, which is a Democratic one. His social and benevolent qualities, called out as they constantly are by the demands of his profession, are not exhausted thereby, but find further expression through his membership with the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen.

In Miss Maria E. Anderson, daughter of Samuel H. and Nancy C. Anderson, of Genoa, Neb., Dr. Baker found the qualities of mind, refinement and fine character which led him to desire her companionship in his home. They were united in marriage on New Year’s day, 1885, and lived happily together until the wife was called hence August 19, 1889. She had been a student at Eureka, and has been sincerely mourned by her former instructors and fellow students, whose sympathy is extended to her bereaved family. She was the mother of two children only, Arthur E., who is now living in Nebraska with his grandparents, and Marie, who died when twenty-one days old.

A portrait of Dr. Baker is presented in connection with this brief record of the most important events in his career.