Charles A. Baker

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Charles A. Baker

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

As an ex-representative to the assembly of this state and as an enterprising business man, Mr. Baker should be accorded special mention in this work, devoted, as it is, to a portrayal of the lives of the leading and influential men of his day and place.

Charles A. Baker was born in Roxbury township, Morris county, New Jersey, may 2, 1852, and belongs to a family long resident of this locality. The venerable Jeremiah Baker, of Kenvil, New Jersey, is now seventy-two years of age, and has passed his whole life in the locality where he now lives.

For many years he was engaged in the hotel business. He served the township as freeholder some years and also served as town committeeman. His father was Andrew Baker and his grandfather Jeremiah Baker. The older members of the family were all farmers, and one them owned a tannery also. Andrew Baker married a Miss Hurd, and their son Jeremiah wedded Miss Mercy Salmon, daughter of Richard S. Salmon. The children of Jeremiah and Mercy Baker are Charles A., whose name graces this review; Richard S., who married Miss Annie Phillips; Mary A., wife of Charles Solton; Sylvester G., who married Sylvenia Merritt; and Nancy, wife of Wesley Ryerson.

Charles A. Baker grew up at his birthplace and received his early training in the district schools. At the age of eighteen he entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company, which he was connected for fifteen years, his last service with the company being as assistant dispatcher at Port Morris. After severing his connection with the railroad he engaged in the bottling business at Kenvil, in company with his brother, Sylvester G., the firm being Baker Brothers. This business he is still operating successfully.

Mr. Baker, like his father before him, is a stanch Republican. For years he has been recognized as a potent influence in local politics, and in November 1893, he was elected a representative to the assembly of the state. The following year he was re-elected. During his membership in that honored body he rendered a valued service on a number of important committees. He served on the committees of banks and insurance, game and fish, school for deaf mutes and reformed school. He also was on the joint committee on federal elections. During his last term he introduced and secured the passed of a game law that was probably the most satisfactory that has been enacted.

Mr. Baker was married in German Valley, New Jersey, January 1, 1880. to Elizabeth A. Trimmer, daughter of Anthony Trimmer, of Middle Valley. Their children are Ethel A., Albert W., Mary T. and Charles A., Jr.

Fraternally Mr. Baker is identified with the Masons and the Odd Fellows, having membership in Musconetcong Lodge, No. 151, F. & A. M., and Succasunna Lodge, No. 181, I. O. O. F.

Transcribed by Christopher Cresta