BAKER, ELVIN F., M. D., a prominent and successful physician of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., was born at Carthage, Ill., May 24, 1842, the son of Abram and Mary A. (Rickard) Baker, who were natives of Virginia, the father being born in Loudoun County, in 1808. He was a farmer by occupation, and in 1837 took up Government land near Springfield, Ill. At a period somewhat later he sold his farm and removed to Hancock County, Ill., where he purchased a tract of land near Carthage, and there reared his family. He subsequently retired from active life and moved to that city, where he died in 1890, at the age of eighty-two years.

In youth Dr. Baker attended the common schools, and graduated from the High School in Carthage. He then pursued courses at Illinois College and the University of Michigan, finally graduating from the medical department of the Northwestern University. In 1867 he located in Alexander, Morgan County, Ill., and began the practice of medicine. There he remained until 1886, when he moved to Jacksonville, where he has ever since been recognized as a man of unusual ability in his profession. Dr. Baker's talents and attainments have secured for him various State appointments, among which are those of Chief Sanitary Inspector of the State Board of Health, and U. S. Pension Examining Surgeon. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Morgan County Medical Society and the Jacksonville Medical Club; is also identified with the Literary Union.

Politically, Dr. Baker has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party, his ancestors having been stanch Whigs. He has, however, always maintained a liberal attitude in political affairs. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the A.F.&A.M., belonging to the K.T., Hospitaler Commandery, No. 31; Chapter, Council and Blue Lodge. He has lived in Morgan County nearly all his life, has always been regarded as a public spirited and liberal minded citizen, and is held in high esteem throughout the community.