BAKER, EMMA
One of the attractive farms of Davenport township is the one hundred and seventy acres which Mrs. Emma Baker operates with the assistance of her sons and which represents the good management and foresight of its owner. She is a daughter of John and Charlotte (Lodge) Draper and was born in Naunton, Gloucestershire, England, September 21, 1846. Her father, whose birth occurred in 1814, and her mother, who was born 1811, came to the United States about the middle of the last century. They made their way to Iowa almost immediately after landing, settling first in Pleasant Valley and then removing to the vicinity of Davenport, where they secured a tract of farm land, which remained their home until the death of the father in 1878. The mother survived until 1899.
Mrs. Emma Baker attended the public schools of Davenport township, receiving a good education. On the 21st of February, 1866, she gave her hand in marriage to John Baker, who was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baker. He was born in England in 1843 and was about thirteen years of age when his parents came to America. After settling in Iowa, he bought twenty acres of land, on which his widow now lives, and started to raise sugar cane. He was successful in this occupation, besides making a reputation for himself through the manufacture of molasses, for he produced from amber cane more of this food product than any of his neighbors. Mr. Baker, who was highly regarded by his fellowmen, died October 8, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker became the parents of nine children. Alice married Truman Granville. They live at Omaha and have two sons, Stuart and Arthur. Nellie became the wife of Charles Hoover. Oliver lives in Nebraska. Frank lives in Davenport township, and Rose resides in Davenport. Florence became the wife of Harry Bills and they have two daughters, Virginia and Mabel. Bessie makes her home in Davenport. William and John are with their mother. They operate the farm, which consists now of one hundred and seventy acres, for after the death of her husband Mrs. Baker believed it a prudent thing to purchase one hundred and fifty acres of land. She has had no reason to regret her investment, for the land is rich, and, being tilled carefully and in accordance with scientific methods, is producing rich returns for her thought and the labor of her sons. While she has displayed fine business ability she has also reared her family well and inculcated into them noble qualities of character.
This bio was extracted from the History of Davenport and Scott County, Vol. I and II, by Harry E. Downer, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. It was transcribed by Elaine Rathmann.