Judged not only by his record as a member of the Board of Education, but also by his individual worth as a citizen and idealist, it is evident that no better selection could have been made of a distinguished Pomonan, to watch over and direct the educational interests of the city, than that of Charles D. Baker, who came to Pomona only a decade ago, but has identified himself closely with the town ever since. He was born in Ogle County, Ill., on May 5, 1868, and began his education in the city schools of his district. Later, fulfilling a natural ambition for the best that was obtainable, he graduated from the Western College of Toledo, Iowa, where he made many friends and business connections of value, so that he was induced to stay and cast in his lot there.
He was in the drug business there for a number of years, and was also a member of the city council, standing for progression in all civic affairs. Then he went to Sioux Falls, S.D., where he was secretary and treasurer of a wholesale hardware firm. If he profited by a gradually developing experience such as many men would be glad to enjoy, and which has always stood by him in operations since, the communities in which he sought to accomplish something undoubtedly also gained through the cowork of one animated by high ideals and broad sympathies, and a desire to spare no pains when it was a question of securing what was needed.
On reaching Pomona, in 1909, Mr. Baker became cashier of the Savings Bank; but, having acquired three orange groves, he soon resigned to look after his ranches. These valuable properties consist of five acres in the Kingsley Tract, ten acres on San José Avenue and eight acres on his home place, at the corner of East Holt and Alexander Avenue, and they have been brought to that state of high development where they evidence the success of the grower.
Among positions of trust to which Mr. Baker has been called may be mentioned a directorship in the Claremont Citrus Association, another in the Kingsley Tract Water Company, and still another in the Pomona Ranch Water Company. And he is now serving his second term as a member of the Pomona Board of Education, favoring the best possible equipment for the public schools.
Mr. Baker was married at Toledo, Iowa, on August 22, 1889, to Miss Edith Rebok, and they have three children: Mrs. Geneve Pulpaneck of Los Angeles; Irma, a teacher of domestic science in the Garey Avenue School; and a son, Herman R., who is a dental student at the University of Southern California. The family attend the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Baker is a Knight Templar and a Mason, holding membership in Pomona and in the Shrine at Los Angeles.
History of Pomona Valley, California, with Biographical Sketches
of The Leading Men and Women of the Valley Who Have Been
Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
Published in Los Angeles, Cal., by the Historic Record Company
1920
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 10/03/08, Pages 489-490
Los Angeles County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2011; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.