C. C. Baker

C. C. BAKER, a farmer and stock dealer of Cherokee County, who owns 320 acres of good land, situated in Lowell and Shawnee townships, resides on that portion of his property that lies in section 16, township—, range—, in Lowell township. He was born in Ohio in June, 1852, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sebert) Baker. John Baker was born near Columbus, Ohio, while Mrs. Baker was born in Maryland.

The father of our subject was a railroad contractor in his early days, but later engaged in farming. In 1872 he came to Cherokee County, Kansas, and settled in Lowell township, in section 16, township 34, range 25, where he purchased 80 acres of farming land, 10 of which had been already broken and a log house built on it. At that time the land was of so little value that Mr. Baker obtained it on a trade for a mule and a buggy and harness. This land he rented out and rented our subject's present farm, which the latter bought on the father's death. After ore was discovered on his farm, Mr. Baker took out $2,000 royalty and spent a large amount in the building of a shaft. About one and a half years later, he sold the property for $10,000. The mine is known as "Baker's Diggings" and is located on South and East Main streets, Galena. Mr. Baker became a prominent citizen of the mining town and was elected a justice of the peace, in which capacity he served until his death in 1883. His family consisted of two daughters and three sons, the two survivors being the two oldest sons,—our subject and his brother John P., of Galena.

C. C. Baker was educated in the district schools of his native place and was reared a farmer. He has resided on his present farm since 1872, and has mainly devoted his attention to raising thoroughbred horses, and buying and shipping horses and mules. Since 1880 he has been almost exclusively engaged in buying and selling stock, handling only good grades, shipping east and west. He owns the old Leslie farm of 120 acres, which is partly located in Shawnee township, and 40 acres lying east of his home farm, and he rents a claim in the Indian Territory where he keeps his fine trotting stock. He is well known all over this section and does a very extensive business.

Mr. Baker married Mary Ann Wilder, who was reared in Cherokee County, and they have three children: Campbell C., aged 10 years; Lester C., aged six years; and Grace, aged two years.

Politically Mr. Baker is a Democrat. He is one of the representative citizens of this locality, is serving as clerk of the school district and takes an active part in local affairs.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.