The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-01-04
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Oavt ID J Haker. Judge Of the Twenty
Sixth JudiriVl Circuit.

lfrem the United States Biographical Diction-
sry and Portrait Gallery Of Eminent and Self.
Made Menl
David j. Baker, q native of Kaskaskia.
Illinois, was born on the 10th of Novem-
Der, 1899, and Is the third son OF the late
Hon. David J. Baker, of Alton, and Sarah
L. (Fairchild) Baker. After completing
his preparatory education he entered
Shurtleff college at Upper Alton, and
graduated from the same with honor in
1854, receiving the distinction of deliver
ing the Latin solutatory," besides an
English Grafton, on commence.
ment day. He subsequently decided
to enter the legal profession,
and accordingly spent two years in read
ing under the direction of his father. and
was admitted to the bar In 1856, and since
that time has given himself unremittingly
to his professional duties. In Novem-
Der, 1856, he removed to Cairo, and there
soon secured an extensive and remun-
erative clientage. His standing as man
and his skill as an attorney, is of the
highest order, aud he has been honored
by his fellow-citizens with various posi-
tons OF public trust. His first presden.
tial vote was cast for Fremont in 1856,
and always having been q warm sup
porter of the Republican party, he
has on many occasions ably sus-
tanned it, principles, and vindi-
Gated its course Of action. From
1854 to 1865 he was mayor OF his city,
and in March 1869, was elected Judge OF
the Nineteenth judicial circuit. Ia June
1872, without opposition, he was electe
to the iudgeship of the Twenty sixth
judicial circuit, (the circuit having been
reorganized by the legislature in accor-
| dance with the provisions OF the consti-
tuition of 1870. and holds that position al
the present time. (1s7G). Judge Baker
is man Of fine native endowme
which have been developed by course
Of thorough discipline and extensive re
search and inheriting many of the men
tai and professional qualities OF his father
stands among the leading jurists OF the
| state. A clear thinker and log;
cal reasoner, he thoroughly MASTER
the merits OF case, and al
consequence, seldom has his decision.
reversed by the supreme court. He il
especially confederate OF the ,..,.a,
members of the profession encourag.
ing inexperienced by cordial manners
and by the happy blending dignity, UT
banity and genuine ability, has secure,
the confidence and esteem OF the entire
bar. As a citizen he is held in the high
est esteem and In all matters pertaining
to the interest Of his state o.
country has manifested an active interest
and in many ways contributed to publ,
progress and improvement. NATURAL,
of a generous disposition, his hand ha
ever been open to supply the wants o
the needy and those in distress and al
though he has never been man of wealth
he has always possessed liberal compe
tence, and now lives in the enjoyment o
a happy home. Though no
connected with any church OF
ganization, he adhercs to the truths O
Christianity, and is regular attendan
upon the services Of the Protestan
Episcopal church. He is q member O
the Masonic fraternity has been Mas
ter Mason since March II, 1864, and was
during one year, junior warden OF hi
lodge.
Judge Baker was married in July
1864, to Miss. Sarah Elizabeth White
daughter of John c. White, Esq, al
old and respected citizen of Cairo.