Rutland

BAKER, Joel Clarke

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro, VT: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, Part II, pp 13-14

Joel Clarke BAKER, of Rutland [Rutland County, Vermont], was born 16 April 
1838 in Danby [Rutland County, Vermont], son of Edia and Seleucia A. 
(DAVENPORT) BAKER. Mr. BAKER seems to have inherited a goodly share of the 
sterling character and sturdy independence of his Scotch progenitors. 
Educated at the public schools of Danby, Wallingford, and at Poultney 
Academy, in 1858 he began the study of Latin and Greek with Philip H. 
EMERSON. In 1859 he commenced the study of law in the office of Spencer 
GREEN of Danby, then changed to the office of David E. NICHOLSON of 
Wallingford, where he remained until 1862, when he was admitted to the bar of 
Rutland County court.

In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ninth Regiment Vermont 
Volunteers, was mustered into the service as sergeant, and before his 
discharge was successively promoted to the grades of 1st sergeant, 2nd and 
1st lieutenant, and finally captain. At the surrender of Harper's Ferry he 
was sent as a paroled prisoner to Camp Douglas at Chicago, where he remained 
until his exchange, 09 January 1863, afterwards serving as guard over five or 
six thousand rebel prisoners. He then returned to the front, participating 
in many battles and skirmishes, and with the Army of the James, was present 
at the engagements of Chapin's Farm, Fair Oaks and the capture of Richmond. 
He was among the first to enter the city, reaching the residence of Jeff 
DAVIS where the Confederate flag was still flying, which he pulled down and 
took away with his own hands. While he was in North Carolina, Congress 
organized provost courts in which Captain BAKER had a good deal of practice.

After his return from the army he pursued his profession in Wallingford, but 
in 1868 removed to Rutland, where he still resides. He has attained a very 
high reputation as a lawyer, in both civil and criminal practice, and has 
conducted several cases of notable importance in Rutland and Bennington 
Counties as well as in the 4th district in New York, and also before the 
United States circuit and supreme courts. Mr. BAKER has important real 
estate interests in Rutland; is director in the clement National Bank, Howe 
Scale Company, the P. E. Chase Manufacturing Corporation, and the Rutland 
Herald and Globe Association, having been the editor of that paper from 1869 
to 1873. He has discharged the duties of superintendent of schools and grand 
juror in the towns of Wallingford and Rutland, and has been register of 
probate and deputy county clerk. He is a Republican and was elected state 
senator in 1886, serving on the committees on the judiciary, railways, and 
the insane. He was for two years county auditor, and is now city attorney.

On 08 October 1866, Joel Clarke BAKER married Ada O., daughter of Luther P. 
and Mary A. (ROUNDS) HOWE, of Mount Tabor [Rutland County, Vermont]. One 
daughter, Mabel, is the issue of the marriage. Mr. BAKER has also joined the 
ranks of Masonry, affiliating with Chipman Lodge, No. 52, of which he has 
been junior and senior warden, and is now a member of Center Lodge, No. 34. 
He also belongs to the Rutland Royal Arcanum, and is interested in the Y. M. 
C. A. of that city. He is a companion of the Military Order of Loyal Legion, 
and a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic. In his religious preference 
he is an Episcopalian.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly