Biography of Robert C. Baker, Palm Beach County, FL File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nancy Rayburn (naev@earthlink.net). USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or publication by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ****************************************************************************************** Transcribed from: The History of Florida: Past & Present, The Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. III, page 132, 1923. BAKER, ROBERT C. Palm Beach County was organized in 1909. From the time the official machinery of the county was started until the present, the office of county sheriff has been filled continuously by two men, father and son, the late GEORGE B. BAKER and ROBERT C. BAKER. This is almost a unique record of public service, and it is a striking testimony to the efficiency, spirit and ability of these two men as executive officers of law and order. The late GEORGE BELL BAKER was born in Madison County, Florida. About 1889 he removed with his family to Alabama, but after a short time returned to Florida, made his home for several years at Plant City in Hillsborough County, subsequently lived in South Jacksonville, and from there came to West Palm Beach in the early part of 1901. He was a railroad man for many years, largely employed in the construction services. He built a considerable part of the old F. C. & P. Railway, and he came to West Palm Beach, in April, 1901, as foreman of construction on the Florida East Coast Railway. By act of the Legislature the northern part of Dade County was separated and the new county of Palm Beach was created in 1909, the county organization being effected in July of that year. GEORGE BELL BAKER was one of the new county officials selected by Gov. ALBERT W. GILCHRIST. After serving the temporary appointment as sheriff, he was elected to the office at the first regular county election, and by subsequent reelections was retained in office until his death on March 8, 1920. He was a man of splendid character, and as an official enjoyed and merited the complete confidence of the people. He was a Mason and a Shriner. GEORGE BELL BAKER married JULIA PRESTON McLENDON, who is still living. Their son ROBERT C. BAKER, was born at Ocala, Florida, in 1888, and has practically spent all his life in this state. He attended Massey Business College at Jacksonville, and the schools at Plant City and West Palm Beach. In July, 1909, at the age of twenty-one, he became deputy sheriff under his father, and has participated in the service of the sheriff's office ever since that date. At his father's death he was appointed sheriff, and in the regular election of 1920 he was elected, and was reelected in 1922. Sheriff BAKER has endeavored to live up to the splendid record made by his father, and he has performed his duties without fear or favor and with a promptness and skill that would do credit to any officer in the state. Within a year after he was appointed his father's deputy, in April, 1910, he had his foot shot off by a Negro criminal whom he captured. This injury necessitated the amputation of his leg. In spite of this critical handicap he has personally followed every fleeing law breaker and criminal coming within his jurisdiction, and has effected some notable captures. In May, 1922, three bandits held up and robbed the Bank of Stuart at Stuart, Florida, and Sheriff Baker immediately started in pursuit and captured the three criminals. For this particular act he received a special resolution of commendation from the Board of County Commissioners. Sheriff BAKER is a member of Palm Beach Lodge No. 1352, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and at the annual meeting of the State Association at Jacksonville in 1922, was elected third vice president. He is member of Eastern Star Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, Mihamia Temple No. 225, D. O. K. K., and is a member of Mangrove Camp No. 236, Woodmen of the World. He also belongs to the West Palm Beach County Motor Club. Sheriff Baker married Miss ANNIE ETTENE CHANDLER, of Georgia. Their three children are JULIA ADELINE, ANNA BELL and MARTHA ETTENE.