Untitled Document

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BAKER.

Inseparably interwoven with the history of Kewanee and Henry county has been the life record of Hon. Benjamin Franklin Baker for more than a quarter of a century. His constantly expanding operations and his intelligent application and utilization of opportunity have brought him to a prominent place in the business world, his labors constituting a source of general prosperity as well as of individual success. Through the consecutive steps of an orderly progression he has come to the vice presidency and treasuryship of the Kewanee Boiler Company and is officially connected with other important industrial, commercial and financial interests of the city.

A native of Aurora, Illinois, Mr. Baker was born July 26, 1864, his parents being Nelson G. and Lucy (Cross) Baker. His father, a retail jeweler, came to Illinois in 1850 and continued to reside in this state until his death, which occurred in 1875. The mother, surviving him for about twenty-one years, passed away in 1896. In 1870 they had removed with their family to Sheffield, Illinios, where Nelson Baker established a jewelry store, continuing as its proprietor until his demise.

Benjamin Franklin Baker was but six years of age at the time of the removal to Sheffield and in the public schools of that city he acquired his education, his youthful days being passed in mastering the tasks assigned him in the schoolroom and in enjoying the sports in which the youths of the period indulged. He came to Kewanee in September, 1883, at the age of nine years. and made his initial step in business circles here as bookkeeper in the First National Bank, being thus employed until February, 1889. He then entered the employ of the Haxtun Steam Heater Company and in November, 1892, became one of the organizers of the Kewanee Boiler Company

. From the outset he has been connected with the enterprise and his business ability, constructive efforts and executive force have been salient features in the growth and development of the business. In 1902 he was elected vice president of the company and has since performed the duties of that office and of treasurer as well. A man of ready resource, he has not confined his attention and qualities to one undertaking, for in January, 19o2, he with others organized the Federal Boiler & Supply Company and has been its secretary and treasurer since its organization. He is also one of the directors of the Kellogg-Mackay Company of Chicago and a director of the Union National Bank of Kewanee, so that he has voice in the manage ment of various important business concerns in the city in which he has now made his home for twenty-six years.

On the 12th of June, 1901, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Mary H. Chandler, of Chicago, a daughter of Charles Blood. They are prominent in the social circles of this city and Mr. Baker is a valued member of Kewanee Lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. When a dispensation was granted to Kewanee Comrnandery, No. 71, K. T., he was named as eminent commander and served until the first annual election. He is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Kewanee Club.

Positive in his republicanism, he has never been neglectful of the duties of citizenship but has sought the public welfare through his advocacy of principles which he deems most conducive to good government. He was first called to office in 1881 when elected village clerk of Kewanee for a two year's term, and in November, 1906, higher official honors were conferred upon him in his election to the state senate from the thirty-seventh senatorial district. Strong and honorable purpose has characterized him in his official as well as his business life and his position on any vital question is never an equivocal one.

History of Henry County

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Illinois Ancestors