An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, 1902
published by Western Historical Publishing Company

Henry J. Baker

Henry J. Baker, one of the prominent agriculturists of the vicinity of Pine post office and one of the substantial and respected citizens of Baker county, was born in Iowa, being the first white child born in Dallas county and was raised in the great Empire state, his parents, George and Charlotte (Crouch) Baker, being natives respectively of New York and England. He obtained his education in the schools of Rochester, New York, and when seventeen years old, began for himself the battle of life, his parents having both died previous to that time. He first went to Missouri, where he embarked int he general merchandise business in the town then known as Waterville, which was afterwards called Bakerville, and has recently experienced another change of name. After a residence of about four years in Missouri, our subject came, in 1878, to North Powder, Baker county, Oregon, where he assisted in the construction of the first store and where he remained for three years. Coming then to Pine valley, he engaged in farming and the stock business, at first on rented land and afterward on a two hundred and forty acre tract five miles northeast of Pine post-office, which his thrift and frugality enabled him to purchase. He also is engaged in the mercantile business at that place, dealing especially in farm produce, which he buys and sells. His integrity and fair dealing have won him the confidence of the rural population in his vicinity, and as a natural result his trade is increasing and extending.

Fraternally, Mr. Baker is identified with the time-honored order of Free Masons, his membership at present being in Union Lodge. His marriage was solemnized at Union in 1883, Miss Hester, daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Myers) Shoemaker, then becoming his wife. To their union eight children were born, John H., Mollie, Walter T., Maggie L., Louis J., Hallis C., Hettie and an infant. Mrs. Baker's parents were among the earliest settlers of Grande Ronde valley, where their remains have been laid to rest. Her father was widely known on account of his activity in church work. Mr. Baker was census enumerator in 1900, and he has held numerous government positions, in the revenue department, in civil service, and other branches, and is a capable and efficient man dominated with sagacity and faithfulness.

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