F. M. Baker owns and operates two hundred acres of land which is located on section 19, Rochester township, and formerly constituted the old homestead farm. This was also the place of his birth, which occurred October 13, 1864. The family was established in Cedar county at an early day by Martin Baker, who was the first preacher in Cedar county, belonging to the Christian denomination. He wedded Miss Katharine Simpson, and their union was blessed with three daughters and four sons, the latter being Nathaniel, William, John and Martin. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin Baker died in this county.
John Baker, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 18, 1822, and was a lad of fourteen years when he was brought by his parents to Cedar county, the year 1836 witnessing their arrival in this state. He was reared to farm life and upon reaching years of maturity entered a tract of land on the northeast quarter of section 20, Rochester township. This he developed and improved and added to his possessions until he had two hundred acres. Like his father, he became a prominent citizen of this section of the state. He chose as a life companion Miss Elizabeth Howe, who was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, on the 18th of April, 1828. She came to Cedar county in 1842 with her parents, Nathan and Maria Matilda (Stark) Howe, both of whom were natives of New York. They spent the remainder of their lives in Rochester township, passing away here.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Baker were born ten children, namely: Jasper T., of California; Malissa, deceased; McNathan, a resident of South Dakota; Mrs. Matilda Duncan, now deceased; William, a resident of Muscatine, Iowa; John, who died at the age of five years; Mrs. Elizabeth Snider, of Muscatine; Mrs. Annie Artz, who lives in Moscow township, Muscatine county; F. M., of this review; and Mrs. Emma Heabner of Rochester township. The father died January 6, 1892, but the mother is still living and makes her home on the farm with her son F. M. She has now reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, having for sixty-eight years been identified with the interests of Cedar county, so that she can relate many interesting incidents of early times.
F. M. Baker was reared on the home farm and was trained in the work of the fields from early youth. He now owns the homestead of two hundred acres and the improvements which are here found have all been made by himself and his father. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and in his work follows the most practical and modern methods, so that each year his labors are rewarded by excellent results.
Mr. Baker chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Emma May Pratt, their wedding being celebrated in 1889. She was born in Rochester township, April 17, 1867, her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Minic) Pratt who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia respectively, having come to Cedar county in 1866. The father died her in 1898, at the age of seventy-two years, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Wilton Junction. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born four daughters and three sons: Pearl, the wife of Ralph Long, of Rochester township; Clarence C.; Grace J.; Ethel Marie; Joseph L.; Vera Elizabeth; and Frank D.
Mr. Baker is a Mason, belonging to the order at Rochester. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen at Wilton and to the Grange at Prairie Bell. He has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year and at the same time has so conducted his business matters as to gain the full esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.
