James Baguley, one of the first men to locate on the present site of Evanston, arrived in 1874, making his way direct to this section of the state on coming to the new world from England. He is one of the few remaining pioneer settlers, for many have passed on, but with the work of development and improvement he has been closely associated through all the intervening years and his connection with public affairs here enables him to speak with authority concerning the upbuilding of the city.
    He was born in Manchester, England, August 8, 1843, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Stofford) Baguley, who were also natives of England, where they spent their entire lives. The father was engaged in the business of hat manufacturing and was one of the pioneers in the silk hat industry. Both have now passed away. Their family numbered seven children, of whom James was the fourth in order of birth.
    At the usual age James Baguley became a pupil in the public schools of his native country but when still quite young began work and since that time has depended entirely upon his own resources for financial advancement. He was employed in various lines and ultimately took up the carpenter's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1874. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and made his way to America, with Evanston, Wyoming, as his destination. On reaching the west he began work as a contractor and builder and continued to follow the carpenter's trade, his business constantly growing in volume and importance. He assisted in building the present courthouse at Evanston and has erected many of the finest residences and business blocks of the city. He was also employed for a time at the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad Company in the locomotive woodwork department, but in 1879 he began contracting and building on his own account and no man in Evanston has erected as large an amount of the buildings of the city as he. In a word Evanston in substantial measure stands as a monument to his business enterprise and activity.
    Mr. Baguley was married in 1865, to Miss Nannie Stone, of Manchester, England, who died in Evanston, Wyoming, in 1900. They had a family of eight children, of whom four are yet living. Mrs. Sarah Knight, who was born in Manchester, England, and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, now has four children. Mrs. Mary E. Sims, also a native of Manchester, England, resides in Salt Lake City. Clements, born in Manchester, England, died in Salt Lake City. Mrs. Elizabeth Oswell was born in Evanston, Wyoming, and makes her home in Salt Lake City, having a family of five children. William born in Evanston in 1887, is married and makes his home in his native city. He is now owner of the Lincoln Garage, located on his father's property in Evanston. By his marriage he has become the father of three children: Frank, Clements and Philis. The other three children of James Baguley died in infancy.
    Mr. Baguley owns a fine residence and other valuable real estate in the city in which he has now resided for more than forty-three years. He is a member of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Labor and the Trades Union of Denver. In politics he has never been active nor has he sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have been wisely and carefully directed and have brought to him substantial success.