Arthur D. Baker

As printed in 1916

ARTHUR D. BAKER.

Having been dependent upon his own resource and compelled to accept the more humble lines of work, then rising to the position of cashier of a prosperous bank and becoming a leading business man, prominent in the public affairs of the community, is a record which gives to Arthur D. Baker, the subject of this sketch, a place among the most appreciated and honored citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

Arthur 1). Baker was born in South Orington, Maine, on February 4. 1858, the son of Joseph D. and Belinda Raker, the father being a native of the state of Maine, where, after his education in the common schools of that state, he engaged in general farming. He later established a grocery and provision store, which he conducted for fifteen years and then, shortly after disposing of his stock in order to retire, he died, survived by his second wife. 1 'aulena (Billington") Raker, his first wife. Belinda, having died mainyears previous. Joseph and Belinda Raker were the parents of live children, Lonzo, Edward, Charles D., Jefferson S. and Arthur David. Lonzo and Edward served in the Civil War, the latter being killed in action.

To the marriage of Joseph and Paulena Baker one son. Frank, was born. Joseph D. Baker, during his life, was one of the best known and one of the most prominent men of his community, having served for two terms as a representative in the state Legislature of Maine. In the more local life he took an active and appreciated part in the affairs of the community. Mr. Baker was a leading member of the Methodist church, and for many years was superintendent of the Sunday school.

Arthur I). Baker, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools of the state of Maine, after which he came to Minnesota, and located, in [876, at Alexandria, where he secured employment in a livery stable, receiving one hundred dollars per year for his services. He afterwards worked as a stationary steam engineer in a flour-mill; he followed that work for some time and then came to Bluffton, Minnesota, where he w. ired with his brother, C. D. Baker, in a general store. Tn 1882 Arthur D. Baker came to Deer Creek, where lie established a general store, which he conducted for sixteen years. In [895 he lost his store and stock as a result of a tornado, after which he became a private banker as the head of the firm known as A. D. Baker & Company, an institution 'which, later. Mr. Baker reorganized and which is now known as the First National Bank of Deer Creek. Minnesota, and in which he is now cashier. In addition to his interest in the hank at Deer Creek. Mr. Baker is the owner of farm lands in the vicinity, as well as being the proprietor of considerable property in Deer Creek. Minnesota.

Tn 1870 Arthur D. Baker was married at Alexandria, Minnesota, to Elizabeth Farquhar, who was a native of the state of Minnesota, and in which state she died on April 6. 1889, being the mother of two children. Herbert J., who married Winona Card, and to whom were born two children. Hazel and Elizabeth; and Harold, who married Marie M. Imsande. to whom was born one child, Louise. I )n September 12. 18(14. Arthur D. Baker was married, secondly, to Etta Woodruff; to this marriage no children were born.

Mr. Baker has been prominent in the public and political life of Deer (reek. Minnesota, having served for sixteen years as town clerk before the town was incorporated, after which he served as president of the town board, as well as serving as school treasurer, an office which he has occupied for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Baker is a Knight Templar Mas. hi and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Deer Creek. The part taken by Arthur D. Baker and his esteemed family, in the town of Deer ('reek and in Otter Tail county, is well known for its helpfulness and unselfish interest in the welfare of the community.

As printed in History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.