Baker, John R.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

John R. Baker, who is successfully engaged in general farming in Yorkville Township, was born in Mount Pleasant Township, Racine County, on the 20th of April, 1847. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Rowe) Baker, were born in Cornwall, England, the former in 1817 and the latter in 1816. Their marriage occurred in their native land but not long after that event they came to the United States and located in Mount Pleasant Township. The father purchased eighty acres of land, which he lost, however, on account of an imperfect deed, and subsequently he bought an eighty acre tract and a forty acre tract in the same Township. He had followed agricultural pursuits in England and his previous experience was of great value to him in developing and operating his farm in this County. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics was a democrat. His death occurred in Franksville in 1894. He had survived his wife since 1866. Previous to her marriage she served as lady's maid, receiving excellent wages for that work. They were the parents of four children, of whom only John R., survives.

The last named is indebted to the public schools for his education and to his father for his training in farm work. In 1873 he removed to his present place, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good land in Yorkville Township, and as the years have passed he has made many improvements upon the place. He has also carefully conserved the fertility of the soil and, following modern methods, harvests good crops annually. He also raises some stock and finds that business likewise profitable.

Mr. Baker was married on the 30th of July, 1874, to Miss Sarah Hamilton, a daughter of Thomas Hamilton, an early settler of Yorkville Township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker but only three survive, namely: Lizzie. the wife of Harry Jones, a blacksmith of Ives Grove; Allie, the wife of John Cripleau, who is connected with a lumberyard in Union Grove; and Irene, who married Peter Larson, a farmer of Dover Township.

Mr. Baker casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the Republican Party but has never been an aspirant for office. He attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church and contributes to the support of that organization. He has never had occasion to regret his choice of an occupation, for he has gained a competence and has also found farming congenial. He is widely known throughout the County and his personal friends are many.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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