NORMAN
F. BAKER
The
common schools of Lucas afforded Norman F. Baker his
educational opportunities, but he has carried forward his own
studies since that time, being an apt pupil in the school of
experience. Since
1886 he has been connected with the affairs of the Farmers
& Miners Bank, established in that year, an institution of
which he is now cashier.
A financier of shrewd and resourceful ability, he has
by the application of sound and progressive methods made the
concern grow and expand so that it is now not only the oldest
bank in the county but also one of the substantial and
prosperous financial concerns of the state. Mr. Baker is
progressive and modern in all that he does and his spirit of
enterprise is evidenced by the fact that he will allow in the
bank only the newest equipment, having recently installed a
new burglar proof manganese safe, of the Victor patent, one of
the first to be introduced in southern Iowa. In addition to his
banking interests Mr. Baker owns also a profitable general
merchandise store in Lucas and two good farms in Jackson
township, each of which is provided with an excellent set of
improvements. Following
his father’s footsteps, he has ever taken an active part in
the development of Lucas, centering a great deal of his
attention upon its along business lines and making his
individual prosperity a factor in general expansions.
Mr.
Baker married, in October, 1896, Miss Margaret Beatty, born in
Wapello county, Iowa, June 4, 1874. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Hart) Beatty, the former born in Dubuque in 1848 and the
latter near Sheldon, Iowa, December 25, 1859. When Mrs. Baker was
two years of age her parents removed to Lucas county, where
both died; the father passing away in 1880 and the mother in
April, 1900. In
their family were five children: Mrs. Ella Jones, the wife of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway agent at Indianola,
Iowa; Mrs. Baker; James, who is engaged in the mercantile
business in Ottumwa; Mrs. Mary Warner, whose husband is also a
merchant in Albia, Iowa; and Susan, the wife of Arthur Knotts,
interested in mining in old Mexico. The two eldest children in this family
are natives of Wapello county, the three younger ones having
been born in Lucas county.
The family has been in Iowa since pioneer times, Mrs.
Baker’s grandparents having been among the earliest settlers
in Dubuque county. Mr.
and Mrs. Baker have two sons:
Norman F., Jr., born December 29, 1897, now a student
in the public schools; and Gerald J., whose birth occurred
April 19, 1900, and who is also pursuing his studies. Mrs. Baker is a
member of the Catholic church of Chariton.
Until 1912 Norman F. Baker was identified with the
democratic party and was one of the most active workers in its
ranks, taking a deep interest in local affairs and proving his
public spirit by official service. He held on the democratic ticket almost
all of the town and township offices and was democratic
candidate for state representative. When the progressive party was formed,
however, he allied his interests with it and in 1912 was its
candidate for the office of state treasurer of Iowa. He has extensive
fraternal connections, being a member of Good Shepherd Lodge,
No. 414, A. F. & A. M., of Lucas; the Royal Arch Masons at
Chariton; and Emmanuel Commandery, No. 50, K. T., of the same
place. He is
identified also with the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Yeomen. He has
held all the offices in the Masonic Lodge and is at present
treasurer. In
all the lines of activity which claim his attention Mr. Baker
has followed progressive, constructive and modern methods and
in the development of his business interests, which are
capably conducted, has proven himself a reliable, resourceful
and far sighted business man.
He possesses the elements of capacity and character
that contribute largely toward success—elements of
perseverance, self-reliance and good judgment. He is now one of
the leading men of his region, and judging from his present
success, the future will hold even greater victories and more
substantial prosperity.