The enterprise and industry with which George Baker applied himself to
business in former years now makes it possible for him to live retired from
active life, these characteristics being the salient elements in the
attainment of his present comfortable financial position. He is a native of
England, his birth occurring in Dorchestershire on the 5th of July, 1831.
His parents, John and Anne (Gauler) Baker, were both born in England and
there spent their entire lives, the father being employed as footman. In
their family were four children, namely Emily, deceased; George, of this
review; Martha, the widow of Frank Dyke, of Bunker Hill; and Charles, a
blacksmith of this town.
In the common schools of his native land
George Baker acquired his education and at the age of fourteen years became
an apprentice to the blacksmith’s trade, thus serving for six years. At the
expiration of that period he worked as a journeyman for a time and then a
brother-in-law, Frank Dyke, who was then visiting in England, offered him
passage money to the United States. Accepting this opportunity to come to
this country, he sailed from England in 1854 and five weeks had passed ere
he arrived on American soil. Coming direct to Illinois, he worked at his
trade for a few months, after which he entered into partnership with John
Upton, this relation continuing for one year. He then purchased entire
control of the business and continued its conduct until 1886, when the
success which had attended his efforts made it possible to withdraw from
active business life and with a most comfortable competence as the result of
his well directed efforts and perseverance he has since lived retired. He
owns a fine brick residence in Bunker Hill and also other dwellings and
business houses in his home town as well as one hundred and forty acres of
valuable farm land in Bunker Hill township.
In 1857 Mr. Baker was
united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Kitchell, who became the mother of six
children, as follows: Ed, a farmer of Coulterville, Illinois; Anna, the wife
of J. Y. Pierce, of Ballinger, Texas; Jane, deceased; T. A., engaged in the
real-estate business in Bunker Hill; and two who passed away in infancy. In
1882 Mrs. Baker was called to her final rest and in 1890 Mr. Baker was again
married, his second union being with Miss Eliza Meyers, whose death occurred
in 1907.
The religious faith of Mr. Baker is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church while politically he gives his
support to the republican party. He has served as a member of the town
council and has been deeply and actively interested in the public life of
the community for a number of years, doing all in his power to further the
general welfare and always advocating those measures which have to do with
progress and advancement in civic affairs. He has now reached the eightieth
milestone on life’s journey and, viewing his life through the perspective of
the years, his has been a most creditable career, its success being measured
not only by the material prosperity which has crowned his labors but also by
the high place which he has made for himself in the esteem and regard of his
fellowmen, and by the large circle of warm friends which he has gathered
around him.
Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 42-43.
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