THE VALLEY OF HEART's DELIGHT
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REUBEN J. BAKER
Bio-Pen Pictures
SURNAMES: HART,
residing on the Almaden road, in the Pioneer District, Almaden Township,
is the owner of perhaps the most desirable farm in his district.
His residence is about nine miles from the Court House in San Jose, an
four miles from New Almaden.
Mr. Baker was born in Hampshire County, West Virginia, February 2,
1835. He was reared to a farm life, and received his education in
that county. The work to which he was trained has been the chief
business of his life. He left his native State for Saline County,
Missouri, in 1855, and there worked for Robert Wilson for two years and
two months, with a view to getting enough money to come to
California. By hard work and economy, this was accomplished, and
in August, 1858, he reached San Jose, his entire capital being
$1.50. His resent position, as the owner of a splendid farm of
300 acres, speaks truly of his ambition, energy, and good
management. This farm, to-day, in character of improvements,
buildings, etc., is second to none in this part of the
county. During the year following his arrival in
California, he purchased a part of the property which he has ever since
owned, and upon which he now makes his home. Later he has added
to his farm by purchase, until it has reached its present extent.
His costly residence was erected in 1886.
In 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Winifred L. Hart, who was
born in Massachusetts, but who has been a resident of this State since
1850. In 1873 Mr. Baker left his Santa Clara home, and during the
ten years following made his home at Hollister, where he engaged in
stock and general farming. He owned there a farm of 172 acres,
and sixteen miles from Hollister a magnificent stock ranch of 2, 320
acres. He also engaged in butchering while a resident of that
place. In 1883 he disposed of all his property near Hollister,
and returned to the home place, to the cultivation of which he has
since devoted his entire attention.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker have eight children living, all of whom are yet
under the parental roof: Mary L., Reuben F., Josephine, Walter
R., Emily, Ella, Irene, and Teresa. The sixth child, Charles,
died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Baker is identified with the Democratic party, with
tendencies to act independently, especially in local affairs. The
enterprise, industry, and good management which have won for him the
prosperity which he enjoys, have also won recognition from his
neighbors and associates.