L. J. Baker

As printed in 1901

R. L. J. BAKER, one of the best known and most popular physicians of Ottumwa, Wapello county, Iowa, has been located in the city since 1882, when he came on a visit. He was so well pleased with the opportunities presented for success in his profession, that he immediately located here and has never since had cause to regret his action. He was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1850. His grandfather, who was born about 1750, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and his father was born in 1805.

Dr. Baker received his education in Greene, Washington and Fayette counties, Pennsylvania, and then prepared for the medical profession by attending lectures in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which institution he received the degree of M. D. in 1875. He first began practice in Ohio, and was afterward located at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, until 1882. He then came to Ottuniwa, Iowa, on a visit and, being pleased with the city, determined upon it as a permanent location. He has engaged in general practice with great success, and for several years past has had his office in the Baker Block. He has a thorough mastery of the profession, is a careful practitioner, and enjoys the confidence of his patients, and his fellow citizens in general, to a marked degree. He owns a very comfortable home.

Dr. Baker was united in marriage with Emma D. Shugert, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, and they have a daughter, Lois, who is attending the Ottumwa schools. In politic.'', the Doctor and the other members of his family are Republicans, with the exception of a cousin, Lewis Baker, who was appointed by President Cleveland minister to a South American government. Dr. Baker was health officer at Ottumwa for four years, and the excellent health regulations now in force were at that time established. He has ever been prominent in fraternal circles. He is a Mason and Knight Templar, and was recently elected grand master of Masons in Iowa. In 1889 he served a term as grand junior warden. He is now serving his second term as president of the AVapello County Medical Association, and also belongs to the Ljwa State Medical Association; the Des Moines Valley Medical Association; the Southeast Iowa Medical Asciation, and the Western Surgical and Gynecological Association. In religious views he is an Episcopalian.

As printed in History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.