James Baker, Esq.

BAKER, WRIGHT, GRANT

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/21/2009 at 00:13:43

Maquoketa Sentinel, July 31, 1856.

JAMES BAKER FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

JAMES BAKER, of LUCAS COUNTY, candidate for the office of Attorney General, is a native of Indiana, but for fifteen years has been a pioneer in the State of Iowa-yet a young man in the prime of life and glowing in the maturity of his professional enthusiasm and ability.

As a Democrat it is enough to say that he was early schooled in the principles of the party, and began their defense in his boyish days in Bloomington, Indiana, where we are told, he shivered many a lance with his school mate George Wright, now the honored Chief Justice of Iowa, and then as now a consistent Whig.

This ardor in the advocacy of party principles has ever characterized him, and he has been an alert and untiring working man in every political campaign.

He was formerly of SCOTT COUNTY, finished his legal studies with the Honorable James Grant of that county, and entered immediately into the practice which he has continued with unabated zeal and success, until now it is almost co-extensive with the 3d, 5th and 9th Districts.

In 1843 he removed to WAPELLO COUNTY and in 1850 or thereabouts, established a Democratic sheet, the “Republic,” at Ottumwa, which rapidly attained a large circulation, and displayed great ability in its editorial management.

About 18 months since he removed to LUCAS COUNTY, and is now making that county his permanent place of abode, rapidly acquiring fame as an advocate and jurist, and devoting himself with a single-hearted zeal, to the pursuit of his noble profession.