Oliver Baker is a native of Trumbull county Ohio, and was born
February 23, 1822. He came to Whiteside county with his father
Mr. Jacob Baker on the 12 of October 1839, and settled at first in Fulton.
During the time he was a resident of Fulton he worked occasionally for John Baker, the original settler, and had the honor of planting the first fruit trees in Northwestern Whiteside on Mr. Baker's place near the Cattail creek. In 1842 he went to Ustick, and lived for a year with his father's family on the farm now owned by Stephen W Goff, and in 1843 purchased the large farm now owned by him in that township. This farm contains four hundred and eighty acres and is situated under the bluffs, on section 18. Immediately upon its purchase he commenced active work in bringing it under a proper state of cultivation and in a few years had one of the finest and most productive farms in the county. He continued to live upon it until 1867, when he moved to Morrison and engaged in buying and shipping stock, leaving his two sons to till its fertile acres.
His eldest son, Barney G in a few years joined him in the stock business at Morrison
and the youngest son, Anson L took charge of the farm, and still continues its management.
Mr Baker was married to Miss Elizabeth Graves, daughter of Lewis Graves of Ustick on the 22nd day of June 1843. The children of this marriage are Barney G married Miss Deborah SYLVESTER, and lives in Morrison; Anson L married Miss Anna PIERCE and lives in Ustick. Mrs. BAKER died July 5, 1874 and in August, 1875, Mr BAKER married Miss Deborah BEDELL. There have been no children by this marriage. During all the period Mr. BAKER resided in Ustick, he took an active and prominent part in the affairs of the township and county. In 1857 he was elected Supervisor of the township, and held the office for three successive terms. During his first term the Board of Supervisors met at Sterling. He also held the office of Justice of Peace for quite a number of years. When the mail route from Fulton by the way of Thompson, Savanna and other towns, to Galena, was established, it passed by his residence in Ustick, and a Postoffice was located there, for which he was appointed Postmaster, and retained the position until the office was abolished. He is at present Alderman from the Second Ward of the city of Morrison.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 471
