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- from "Genealogy and history of the Baker, Andrus, Clark, and Adams families", 1920
William Franklin Baker married Clara Francis, daughter of William and Isabel Porter Brown of Mason City, Iowa, October 5, 1898. Issue of this marriage: Lillian Mae Baker, born March 2, 1901. Dorothy Francis Baker, born August 19, 1902. Lucile Rosslyne Baker, born September 13, 1905. Stanley William Baker, born February 24, 1908. Carleton Porter Baker, born January 5, 1912. All born in Decorah. William Baker was educated at the public school in Decorah. He afterward graduated from the Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. He soon after entered the National Bank of Decorah. Here he has been the moving spirit for nearly twenty years. He is a man much respected in his town, having been mayor and held other positions of trust in the place.
- from "History of Winneshiek County, Iowa", 1913
As assistant cashier of the National Bank of Decorah, William F. Baker occupies an important position in the financial interests of that city; but he has found time to interest himself in other matters of equal importance, having served for a number of years with conspicuous ability as councilman and also allying himself with others in the interest of better education. Born in Fayette County, Iowa, December 17, 1871, he is a son of F. H. and Cornelia (Davis) Baker, the father a native of New York and the mother of Maine. F. H. Baker came to this county with his parents in 1857, and after having attained maturity crossed the line into Fayette County and there engaged in farming until 1892, when he retired with an ample competence and removed to Decorah, where he still resides at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother has attained the same age. William F. Baker acquired his early education in the public schools of Winneshiek County and subsequently attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1893. In 1897 he accepted a position in the National Bank of Decorah, with which bank he has remained ever since, having filled the position of assistant cashier for the past ten years. Able, conscientious and industrious, the labors of Mr. Baker have played no small part in the development of trade connections of this institution and his worth has been frequently recognized by his superior officers, while he is popular with the patrons of the bank, who esteem him and hold him and his opinions in high honor. As the years have passed Mr. Baker has extended his interests and has become a stockholder in various other banks. In October, 1898, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Clara F. Brown, a daughter of William and Isabelle (Porter) Brown, natives of Scott County. The father was an agriculturist all his life and at an early age settled in Cerro Gordo County, where he successfully engaged in farming operations until his death, which occurred in 1907. The mother preceded him in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of five children: Lilian, Dorothy, Lucile, Stanley and Carleton. Having always been deeply interested in the public welfare and taking part in the political issues of the day, Mr. Baker has served for nine years as councilman of his ward, and this remarkable record of continuous service obviates the need of further comment as to his ability and the confidence his constituents place in him. His political affiliations are with the Republican Party, but in local questions he acts independently, merely seeking to promote the best interests of the city. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church, of which he has served as an officer for the past twelve years, giving evidence thereby of his deep interest in this organization and its allied societies. The cause of education has always been near his heart and his efforts along that line found recognition when he was chosen a member of the board of trustees of the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, in which connection he has done valuable work in the interests of that institution. The handsome family home of Mr. and Mrs. Baker is located on Ravine Street, Decorah, and there both extend warmhearted hospitality to their many friends. Ever watchful of his opportunities, Mr. Baker has never feared to venture where his honesty and integrity permitted him to take a further step, and the success which he has attained so far is attributable only to his own efforts, which are guided by industry, energy, ability and honesty.
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1871 - 1952 (80 years)
Franklin Hammond Baker, b. 18 Jan 1844, Crown Point, Essex, NY 