Jesse T. Baker. The subject of this sketch is a native of Saline county, Missouri, and was born in the town of Arrow Rock, September 5, 1847. He received a fair education in the common schools, which he has greatly improved by intercourse with men, and by his faculty of obtaining whatever of useful information is to be gleaned from passing events. In 1863, he became a clerk in the dry goods store of H. S. Mills, of Arrow Rock, and was thus employed about seven years, when he opened a drug store on his own account in his native village. In 1875, Mr. Baker embarked in the commission business in St. Louis, but after two years returned to Arrow Rock, where he joined the occupation of farming to that of merchandising. He is the owner of a farm in section 27, township 50, of range 19, which is undoubtedly one of the finest in the county. It contains 160 acres, and is excellently adapted, not only to the growth of all the cereals, but is admirably suited to the raising of hemp, and every variety of fruit indigenous to this climate. The soil is deep, fertile, and exhaustless, and the entire farm is finely improved. The dwelling and out-buildings are substantial and commodious, and the supply of water is perennial and abundant. The farm is convenient to market, and the completion of the proposed Hannibal & Southwestern rail-road, will make it one of the most valuable and desirable places in the county. Mr. Baker was married in January, 1874, to Miss Belle C. Bradford, a daughter of the late Dr. Charles M. Bradford. Lottie Cosette, Ida L, Lavinia Belle, and Jesse B. are their children.
