EDWARD H. BAKER, engaged in the concrete construction business in
Grand Island, belongs to an old Nebraska family and was born at
Columbus, Nebraska, July 28, 1875. His parents were Edward H. and
Zilda (Senical) Baker, the former of whom was born at White Pigeon,
Michigan, and the latter in Montreal, Canada.
The earliest member of the Baker family in Nebraska, was an uncle of
Edward H. Baker of Grand Island, who settled on Silver Creek in 1858,
when his nearest neighbor was seventeen miles away. Mr. Baker's
father came to Platte County, Nebraska, in 1866, but his mother had
located in the city of Omaha in 1853. She died November 16, 1906.
Prior to the Civil War, the elder Edward H. Baker lived in St. Joseph
County, Michigan. He enlisted in the Union army, August 30, 1862 at
Freeport, Illinois, and served three years, being mustered out as
corporal of his company, June 19, 1865. His company, locally known as
"Young's Lions," was detailed when the war closed for such important
work as taking charge of supplies and of Confederate paroled
prisoners. When he came to Platte County in the following year, he
homesteaded and lived on his one hundred and sixty acres until June
18, 1887, when he came to Hall County, which remained his home until
his death which occurred February 27, 1916. For the last eleven years
of his life he had bee engineer for the Soldiers and Sailors Home. In
politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of
the Baptist church. Of their seven children, six are living. Edward
H. is the youngest. The others are: Mrs. R. G. Isdell, who lives in
Grand Island; Alfred J., who resides in Grand Island, is agent for the
American Beet Sugar Company; Mrs. Frank Smock, of Colorado Springs;
Mrs. A. J. Knipe, who lives at Seattle, Washington; and Ray R., with a
medical unit in the American army in France.
Edward H. Baker attended the public schools of Grand Island. Upon
finishing his education he started to work in a concrete construction
business. After nine years in the employ of others, Mr. Baker
established a concern of his own in 1905, and has done well, usually
keeping six men employed. He has built up a trustworthy reputation
that extends all over Hall County.
At Wood River, Nebraska, December 7, 1904, Mr. Baker married Miss Mary
J. Nelson, a daughter of Sylvester and Amanda J. (Hargis) Nelson, who
came to Hall County in 1887 and lived in Wood River. Mr. and Mrs.
Nelson have five children; Mrs. Bert Miller, who lives at Elm Creek;
Mary J., who is Mrs. Baker; Olivene, wife of J. Ven Roberts of
Florida; Oscar E., a soldier in France, a member of Company C, 318
Engineers, Sixth division; and Elmer S., who lives in Grand Island.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker have an adopted daughter, Helene E., who was born
February 23, 1917. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Baptist church. In
politics Mr. Baker is a Republican and keeps well informed on public
matters as he is justified in doing, but he has accepted no public
office except membership on the city school board. He belongs to the
Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Elks and the Odd Fellows,
in the latter organization having passed all the offices in the local
lodge. Mr. Baker is held to be one of the sound, dependable business
men of Grand Island.
