My Genealogy Hound

CLYDE H. BAKER, the popular merchant of Buchanan, was born in Bertrand Township, Berrien County, Mich., on the 9th of November, 1857. His parents, Lewis V. and Elizabeth (Haseltine) Baker, were natives respectively of New York and Ohio, and after their marriage located in Bertrand Township. In connection with farming pursuits the father followed the trade of a miller, and started the first gristmill in the township. Politically, he was firm in his adherence to the principles of the Republican party, and was always willing to work for the good of that organization. In religious connections he was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his life he exemplified the sincerity of his belief. His death occurred in his sixty-third year and was widely mourned, for he had a host of friends. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight years.

Of the children born to Lewis and Elizabeth Baker, the following is noted: Florence died at the age of thirteen years; Louisa is the wife of John Redden; Johnnie passed away when a boy of fifteen years; Lewis W. is a physician residing in Buchanan; Clyde H., of this sketch, is the youngest member of the family. He attended the schools of Bertrand Township and subsequently was a pupil in the Buchanan High School. In 1879 he entered the employ of T. M. Fulton & Co., of Buchanan, and occupied a clerical position in that house for two years. Having gained a thorough knowledge of business by this experience, and having also by economy and industry accumulated a sufficient amount of money for the purpose, he embarked in business for himself and opened a furniture establishment, which he conducted for five years.

Subsequently Mr. Baker purchased a half-interest in the mercantile establishment of L. R. Boyle, and the partnership thus formed continued until 1890, when our subject purchased his partner’s interest. The business is now conducted under the name of C. H. Baker, and has enjoyed a steady increase, until the establishment is now the largest in the city. The store is conveniently located on Front Street, and has a large trade not only from the people of Buchanan, but also from the residents of adjoining places. Mr. Baker is also a Director in the First National Bank of Buchanan and is one of the stockholders of that institution.

In politics a Republican, Mr. Baker is recognized as one of the sagacious and clear-headed leaders of the party in Buchanan. In 1887-88 he served as Township Treasurer, and has recently been called to fill the position of City Treasurer. In 1890 and 1892 he was a member of the Village Board. In regard to social relations, he is a member of Buchanan Lodge No. 68, A. F. & A. M.; St. Joseph Chapter No. 4, Niles Council No. 19, and Niles Commandery No. 12. He is also identified with De Witt Clinton Consistory at Grand Rapids, and the Saladin Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. October 24, 1889, he married Miss Estelle J., daughter of James and Nancy Reynolds, and they have one child, Elizabeth Haseltine, who was born July 2, 1892.