A period of connection with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company dating from 1877 has brought Alvin W. Baker to a position of trust and responsibility with that great corporation, which numbers him among its most reliable and worthy representatives. He has risen through department after department in the service and is now land and tax agent for the company at Oakland, a position which he has filled with credit and ability since June, 1910.
Alvin W. Baker was reared at home and acquired a public school education. He laid aside his books at the early age of sixteen and afterward worked for his brother, who conducted a drug store, postoffice and express office. Later Mr. Baker turned his attention to railroading, becoming connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company in 1877 as telegraph operator, working at various points in California, Nevada and Arizona. In 1879 he was put upon the company's regular staff of employes and rose rapidly to a responsible position, being given charge of the maintenance of way department in Oakland in 1884. For ten years thereafter he did capable and farsighted work in this capacity and at the expiration of that time was transferred to Oakland Pier as chief clerk. He held this position until 1903, when he was made assistant superintendent. In June, 1910, he was again transferred to the city of Oakland and made land and tax agent at this point. He has learned the railroad business through long and practical experience in its various departments, and his executive ability and keen business insight well qualify him for the responsible position which he now holds.
Fraternally Mr. Baker is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is liberal with his political views and has never sought public office, although he is at all times interested in projects to advance the general welfare of the community. He has been instrumental in bringing a number of manufacturing plants and other concerns to Oakland and has done a great deal for the city along lines of progress and growth. He is largely responsible for his own success, which he has gained through his energy, ambition and ability--qualities which have established him among the representative men of Oakland.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 313-314
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/19/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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