The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-05-30
p. ~ 41h11-

In the present issue Of the ADVOCATE We
have the pleasure Of presenting to our
readers true type of American character,
one of those who, from his own mdomit-
able energy, has raised himself in the
confidence Of his fellow -countrynen.
f. r. p. BAKER, the subject Of our
sketch, was born in Fairfield county,
Ohio, Feb. lst, 1884 and is now in his
fortieth year. Much Of hisearly life was
spent on the farm, where he worked during
the summer months. and in the winter he
found employment at the saw mills His
early life afforded him but few opportuni-
ties for learning. Still, meager as they
We're, he made the most of them. In the
winter time, when the mill was frozen up
he attended school, and turned every op-
portunity to advantage in educating him
self. His love Of reading partook more of
the nature Of passion for learning, for he
was often found in the field and at the mill
with MS book in his hand, and nos unfre-
quently neglecting his duties.
In this way he passed his early life
When in his twelfth year he entered Otter
view University, at Westerville, Ohio, but
owing to failing health he was Obliged to
leave after the expiration of the first term
During his stay at the university he won
the esteem and respect Of all the faculty.
and formed many personal friendships.
We next find him student in the Ohio
state and Union Law College, at Poland
Among his classmates were Judge Van
Hyning, Gen. Sherwood, Gen. H. L. Bur
nette and Judge Dirham
In 1857 Mr. Baker removed to Cleye-
land, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar
to practice law i'll the States of Ohio and
Indiana. The following year he removed
to Lancaster, where he purchased farm
and proposed to settle. Here he was
rapidly rising in public estimation and
worldly possessions when his health again
began to fail, and through the advice of his
ply siclan he returned to farming, his usual
occupation, locating III Perry county
subsequently he removed to the village
Of Thomasville, where he opened a drug
store, still, however, following farming.
In 1873 Mr.. Baker entered into public
life. Having received the nomination for
the Legislature, on the Democratic ticket. he
was elected by handsome majority over
his opponents, who were able and inhuen-
tial men.
In +. II. =. Baker the workingmen al
ways found warm and trusty friend /;
at all times energetically opposing the en-
croachments of capitalists. In the legisla-
ture he was invariably in favor Of all
measures in the interest Of labor ID was
he who introduced the Miners Bill This
he done without any promptngs from the
miners. 1t met with a formidable Oppo-
sition from lobby Of coal operators, from
Youngstown, who were III Columbus to
secure an enabling act to rehove the county
seat of Mahoning to Youngstown. This
lobby fought the bill at all points, appear
ing three times before the House Commit
tee to urge its defeat and button holing
members to vote against it and Baker
But the early training and indomitable
courage Of Baker came to his assistance
and he checkmated its opponents at every
point they made. lr his fight with the
operators he was backed up by petitions
from the miners. which came in thick and
fast He also received able assistance from
Andrew Roy, of Church Hill, Ohio-a host
IN hImself-who appeared in defence Of
the bill, and whose practical knowledge
and acquaintance with the mines waSL of
great assistance to Mr.. Baker in his argu-
ments on the floor.
Mr. Baker is not an ungrateful friend. He
does not forget those who do him a service
In return for the assistance rendered by
Mr.. Roy, he used his influence with Sena-
tor Dougherty, General Ewing, and other
prominent Democrats, and obtained for
him the position of Inspector of Mines.
Our readers must know that it was this
man who helped to put the ''quietus" on
the Fisher bill when it was brought up in
the House. He exposed all its villainous
features, and proved it to be nothing more
nor less than duplicate Of the LaSalle
Black Law
The workngmen of Ohio, in return for
the services he has already rendered them,
intend to bring him out as a candidate for
Secretary Of State, and he may rest assured
that he will receive the united vote Of the
miners of Mahoning Valley.
He is man of fine personal appearance,
quiet, courteous and obliging popular
and strong representative, his strength
laying in his strong common sense and
honesty of purpose. He is in full accord
with the preamble and platform of the In
dustrial Congress, and 1t is t. be hoped
will be kept in public life, as the working
men have much to hope for yet.