Pages 173-175

The substantial position which George A. Baker occupies among the agriculturists of Livingston county must be largely attributed to his industry and his good judgment in estimating land values. He owns a farm of one hundred and ninety-three acres, of which one hundred and three acres are located in Grundy county and ninety in Livingston county on section 5, Jackson township. He came to this county in December, 1905. He was born in Fremont county, Iowa, November 18, 1861, and is a son of Henry and Matildia (Sandford) Baker, the father a pioneer agriculturist of Iowa where he passed away in September, 1904, at the age of seventy-four years, his wife following him in death about four years later in July, 1908, at about the same age. Both are buried in the family lot near Hamburg, Iowa.

George A. Baker attended the district school in Fremont county, Iowa, laying aside his school-books, however, at the age of sixteen years. For a time he remained at home, making himself useful on the farm and assisting his father until reaching his majority. He then rented land for eight years and by energy, industry and thrift accumulated his earnings and started in by buying three acres of land and renting fifty, purchasing, three years later, another twenty acres which he held for five years. He then sold his combined holdings to such advantage that he was enabled to purchase eighty acres and lived on that land for two years, after which he sold out and bought ninety acres which is part of the property on which be now makes his home. Six years later his means had increased to such an extent that he was able to buy the balance of the land which is now his property and where he engages in general farming, specializing along lines of stock-raising. Mr. Baker since locating on his farm here has entirely remodeled his residence and outbuildings and made a number of other improvements that have greatly enhanced the value of the farm.

In Sidney, Iowa, on September 20, 1891, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Mortimore, a daughter of George and Beulah Etta (Conkle) Mortimore, the father a native of Iowa and a successful agriculturist. The mother of Mrs. Baker passed away in 1889 and is buried in the Zion church cemetery near Riverton, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Baker became the parents of eleven children of whom Elmer died at the age of eighteen months and another in infancy. The others are: Eva M., residing at home; James A., who assists his father in the work of the farm; and Albert B., Matildia J., Beulah E. Rosell, Roy A., Chester and Theodore, all of whom are at home attending school.

Public-spirited, Mr. Baker has always been interested in such matters as concern the general public and for a number of years has served with efficiency as a school director of his district. His political views are those of the republican party and religiously he is a member of the Baptist church to which he gives his material and moral support. A man of rare ability in judging agricultural land values, he made investments which have returned to him a handsome profit and have helped him along on the road to success. However the main factors in bringing about his achievements have been his industry, his energy and his incessant vigilance in looking after the details of his farm work. Another great concession must be made to Mrs. Baker who always has ably stood at the side of her husband and in no inconsiderable way helped to make possible his financial independence.

Table of Contents

Previous Biography

Next Biography

Home