William H. Baker (s/o W. H. Baker)

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

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

This gentleman, who is one of the leading business men of Dover, was born in the old family homestead at Mount Pleasant, this county, October 3, 1851, the son of William Hedges BAKER, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. For his education he attended the Mount Pleasant school and James Shies' private school in Newark, New Jersey.

He began business life as a clerk in an office in New York city, and afterward was a clerk in the Dover post-office, under postmaster Alpheus BEEMER, continuing as a faithful employee there for six or seven years. In 1874 he began mercantile business for himself, on the corner of Warren and Blackwell streets in Dover, where he has ever since carried on a prosperous trade. He built the Baker block and opera house, which are among the best buildings in the city. Until 1898, he used the main floor of the opera house for his store, and this year it became the rooms of the People's National Bank, in which Mr. BAKER is a stockholder. Not only has he been a leading merchant but also a large property-holder and he has accomplished a great deal in building up his favorite city. He purchased the John W. HURD farm between Dover and Port Oram, laid out in lots, and improving over three miles of street way, and thus has prepared a nice residence district. Mr. BAKER has been always a leading factor in every local enterprise, devoting to it money, time and attention. Both as a merchant and leading citizen in the upbuilding of the community, he has rare ability. In his politics he is a Republican, but he has never wanted office.

In 1898 he was united in matrimony with Miss Carrie E. ODELL, of Logansport, Indiana, and they occupy a fine residence on Blackwell street, Dover.

Transcribed by C.M. Cresta