Jonathan H. Baker

HON. JONATHAN HASKELL BAKER, a prominent early citizen of Macomb, who served his fellows in various official capacities, and was a leader at the Bar, was born in Walpole, N. H., May 8, 1817. He came of New England lineage, his ancestors having settled in that portion of the countryat so early a date that the exact time is not now discoverable. When only seven years of age he was left fatherless, and bound out to a farmer, with whom he remained ten years. At the expiration of that time, his "master" permitted him to enter a dry-goods store in Walpole as clerk, where he remained until he attained his majority.

In the year 1838 he became thoroughly imbued with the idea that the then far western country known as Illinois was a proper field for a young man like him, full of energy and industry, and accordingly he made his way either and settled in Macomb. The journey consumed twenty-seven days. He was not backward about the employment which he might obtain, so long as it afforded him an honest maintenance and an opportunity for advancement, and he set to work at the first thing offered, which was labor in a brickyard, where he continued nearly a year. His natural ability and his business education brought him to the notice of James M. Campbell, who offered him a position as clerk, and this he accepted. He remained with Mr. Campbell two years, and then formed a partnership in the grocery business with Joseph P. Updegraff, which continued a number of years.

In the year 1845, Mr. Baker received the appointment of Postmaster at Macomb, and held that position four years. He engaged in the mercantile business with Charles Chandler in 1846, and during the remainder of his term as Postmaster the office was kept in their store. Mr. Baker remained in this business nine years, and at the expiration of that time ( 1855) went into the realestate, or " land office, " business, as it was then called. He was appointed County Clerk in 1858, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Isaac Grantham, and served until 186 1. After the close of his term as Clerk, he engaged in the grocery business with Joseph Burton, and remained in that line until 1865.

Having given considerable time to the study of law, at the last-named date he formed a co-partnership with W. H. Neecefor the practice of law, which continued until 1877, at which time he was elected County Judge. He served the four-years term to which he was elected, and was re-elected in 1 88 1, and served a second term. He was out of office four years, but was again nominated and elected in 1889 to the same office, and served therein until the time of his death, which occurred on the 31st day of August, 1890.

Mr. Baker was married to Miss Isabelle Hempstead on the lath day of March, 1843, at Macomb. Of this marriage four children were born, who survive him, viz.: Clara A., the wife of C. V. Chandler, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this work; Mary C, wife of E. L. Wells, of Macomb; Isabelle, wife of George A. Tunnicliff, a prominent lawyer of Macomb; and Joseph H, who resides with his mother. Mrs. Baker is a daughter of Stephen Hempstead and Mary L- LeFevre, and was born in St. Charles, Mo., to which place her parents had moved from New London, Conn., a short time previous to her birth, At the age of eight or nine years, she was made an orphan by the death of her mother, who perished in the cholera epidemic of 1833. She was soon after sent by her brother (the father being absent) to McDonough County, where she made her home with her sister, Mrs. James M. Campbell, until the time of her marriage.

The Macomb Journal, in speaking of Judge Baker, pays the following just tribute to his memory: " He has always been a faithful and efficient official, and, though a strong Democrat, never carried partisanship into official life. He was a useful member of society. Industrious, sober, quiet and unobtrusive of demeanor, he was a pattern that young men may well follow. His life was full of years. As husband and father, neighbor and friend, he was a model. He leaves behind the record of a life well spent."

Rev. L J. Dinsmore, formerly pastor of the Universalis! Church of Macomb, speaking of Judge Baker's death, says: "This comes as a severe blow to the friends of our church in Macomb, where Judge Baker had been an honored and useful resident for more than fifty-three years. He was an honest and capable business man, widely known and universally respected. He had held important public offices for many years, and at the date of his death was Judge of Probate for Mc- Donough County. His name was intimately associated with the early history of our church in that portion of the State, and his personal character illuminated his Universalist profession. He was a thorough gentleman of the old school, dignified in his bearing, but kindly-hearted and good to the poor. It was said by one who knew what he was talking about that Judge Baker had done more good to the people of McDonough County, for less money, than any other man who ever lived in it. * * * He was a man of strong convictions, and fearless in their expression. He lived and died on the high grade of thoughtful, sincere and outspoken Universalism."

As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.