From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Pages 660 - 662
 
CHARLES H. BAKER, of Lake Geneva, is a man whose life has become an essential 
part of the history of this section and he has exerted a beneficial influence 
in the city honored by his residence, as has also his wife, the former in  
business circles and the latter in educational affairs.
 
Mr. BAKER, like many of our leading citizens, hails from the old Empire state, 
his birth having occurred at Seneca Falls, New York.  He is a son of Hon. 
Charles M. and Martha (LARRABEE) BAKER, the father having been one of the most 
prominent men of this county.  His complete sketch appears on another page of 
this work.
 
Charles H. BAKER came to Walworth county with his parents when two years old, 
and was thus a true pioneer, for the country was wild and settlers few at that 
period.  The family settled at Lake Geneva, and there young BAKER lived until 
he was fourteen years old.  He then went to Chicago and lived about three 
years, then spent a year in Beloit College, in the academic department.  He had 
decided to take up mechanical engineering, and the next two years were spent in 
a locomotive and marine works in Detroit and Boston, along the line of his 
studies.  He also spent some time in Hamilton College, now Colgate University, 
at Madison, New York.  He next spent about ten years on the Pacific coast in 
mining engineering.  From there he went to Mexico in the interests of a mining 
company in the state of Coahuila.  He then spent a year in Europe, trading in 
almost every country, studying his chosen lines of engineering.  Returning, was 
a year in the employ of the Guggenheim Company, in Mexico.  Later he was 
employed by the Topia Mining & Smelting Co., of Durango, Mexico, remaining with 
them about ten years, as general manager.  He became an expert in his line and 
his services were much in demand.  During his wanderings in the West, he 
retained the old homestead at Lake Geneva, and he has lived retired in this 
city of recent years, although he sometimes makes a trip as a mining expert.
 
Mr. BAKER was married in 1907 to Marietta B. SMITH, of Racine, Wisconsin, a 
lady of talent, culture and refinement, whose charm of manner has made her a 
favorite with a wide circle of friends.  She was graduated from the University 
of Wisconsin at Madison, and took  post-graduate work in the University of 
Chicago.  She is a musician of marked ability.
 
Before coming here Mrs. BAKER spent a summer in Europe, during which she gave 
particular attention to what would be of special interest in her chosen subject 
of literature.
 
She came to Lake Geneva about 1903 to fill a temporary vacancy in the high 
school, but the position became permanent and her services were of such a high 
order that she was later offered the position of principal, which she accepted 
and the duties of which she has discharged ever since in a manner that reflects 
much credit upon herself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.  She 
has brought the local high school up to an equal place with the best in the 
state, and in the school room she is an enthusiastic instructor.  She is 
broadly educated and has kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to 
her profession.  She has been active in public affairs at Lake Geneva, and she 
is a member of the library board.  Mr. and Mrs. BAKER are members of the 
Baptist church.
 
Charles H. BAKER was one of a family of four children, namely: Edward L., who 
became captain of Company E, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, during the 
Civil war; he is now deceased and is buried at Lake Geneva; Robert H., who 
became a prominent politician, was a member of the Republican state central 
committee and a member of influence at Racine; for thirty years he was a 
partner of J. I. CASE, the well-known threshing machine manufacturer; Mary L., 
deceased, was the wife of Col. George BROWN, a prominent attorney of 
Providence, Rhode Island, commanded the Ninth Regiment, Rhode Island 
Volunteers, and at one time was a member of Congress.
 
Mr. and Mrs. BAKER are prominent in the life of Lake Geneva and their pleasant 
home is the mecca for a host of warm friends.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)