Baker, John P.

BAKER, WATSON, FUDGE, HIGHLAND

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 11/28/2012 at 14:39:48

Good business sagacity, tireless energy and the intelligent direction of his affairs have enabled John P. Baker of Searsboro to retire while yet in his prime.

He was born in Washington township, Poweshiek county, on the 29th of September, 1862, a son of George J. and Sarah (Watson) Baker. The father was a native of the province of Westphalia, Germany, while the mother was born in Indiana in 1825. Mr. Baker emigrated to the United States in 1854 and located in Washington township, where he purchased forty acres of land. Later he disposed of this and bought eighty acres in Sugar Creek township, continuing its cultivation until his death in 1865. The mother passed away in Sugar Creek township, July 1, 1911. His political support Mr. Baker gave to the whig party, while in religion he was a Catholic. Mrs. Baker, however, was a member of the Baptist church. Unto them were born a son and a daughter; the latter, Margaret is still at the old homestead in Sugar Creek township.

John P. Baker was an only child of three years of age when his father died, so that while still quite young he was compelled to assist with the work about the farm. His education was acquired in the district schools of Sugar Creek township, which he attended until he had such knowledge as he felt would enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities. He then worked out for three years as a farm hand, following which he operated the homestead for his mother until he was thirty years of age.

In 1892 he came to Searsboro and engaged in the grain and lumber business with George W. Hays. At the end of five years Mr. Baker bought out the interest of his partner and conducted the business alone until 1902, when the state of his health necessitated his withdrawing from business, so he disposed of his interests. During the next four years he superintended his farm in Sugar Creek township, containing six hundred and forty acres, which he had bought while engaged in business. Subsequently, he again returned to his former business in Searsboro, continuing to be identified with this until 1909, since which time he has been living retired.

On the 1st of March, 1893, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Vista J. Fudge, a daughter of James and Ann (Highland) Fudge, well known residents of Sugar Creek township. Mrs. Baker is also a native of Iowa, having been born in Madison county on the 2d of April, 1868. Three children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the order of their birth being as follows: Clifford Otho, who was born on the 29th of November, 1896; Veda Aureva, born on the 29th of January, 1903; and Aretha Adelaide, who birth occurred on the 15th of January, 1908.

The family attended the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members, and in politics he is a republican and has served on the school board and in the town council. Mr. Baker is one of the highly regarded business men of Searsboro, as well as one of its affluent citizens, and both he and his wife take a prominent part in the social life of the town and extend the hospitality of their beautiful home to their many friends.

pps. 485-486; History of Poweshiek County Iowa - A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911