Thomas Baker

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. I., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

As conducting a representative real-estate and loan enterprise, Mr. BAKER has been prominently identified with the business interests of Dover and has added materially to the up-building and improvement of the city. He was born, in 1865, on the old homestead of the bakers, in Rockaway township, Morris county, the place being now included within the village limits of Port Oram. He is the youngest son of William Hedges and Clarissa (DELL) BAKER, who marriage was celebrated on the 15th of June, 1848. The father was born in January, 1806, and was a representative of one of the old and honored families of New Jersey. Thomas BAKER was reared on the old homestead, where he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and in the Valley school and Mount Pleasant Academy he acquired his education, putting aside his text-books at the age of seventeen years in order to enter upon his business career. He accepted a clerkship in the store of his brother, W.H. BAKER, with whom he remained three years, after which he returned to the farm, following agricultural pursuits continuously until 1894. In that year he took up residence in Dover and bought out the real-estate and insurance business of H.L. DUNHAM. He was platted a part of his land and sold a number of lots, while on others he has erected dwellings which he rents, thus adding largely to his income. He also does a large insurance business, and his enterprise, energy, sound judgment and good management are bringing to him a success which he well deserves. At the same time his business interests and materially to the welfare of the town, advance its improvements and its growth, and as a result he is accounted on of the valued citizens of the community.

In April, 1893 Mr. BAKER was united in marriage to Miss Hester HILFERTY, of Port Jervis, New York, and of their union has been born one son William Hedges, and a daughter, Florence D. In 1896 Mr. BAKER erected a palatial residence, which is situated on the hill and commands a magnificent view of Dover and the surrounding country. It is supplied with all modern improvements and adorned with all that a refined taste could suggest and wealth procure. The Bakers at one time owned more than fifteen hundred acres of land in this vicinity, portions of which have since been sold. Mr. BAKER of this review deals in mining property as well as other realty, and few men in this section of the state are better informed on property values than he. He has made a close study of his business and his capable management has advanced him far on the road to success.

While he has never taken an active part in public affairs, he has always been deeply interested in the measures for the public good and to them has been a liberal contributor. By reason of his large success, his unblemished character, his just and liberal life and the universal esteem which he here enjoys, Mr. BAKER might, without invidious distinction, be called one of the foremost citizens of Morris county.

Transcribed by Ida King.

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