Page 242 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ William R. Baker

1909-1910

M⸫W⸫ Brother Baker was born in Hastings, Minnesota, on
August 20, 1876. In 1887 he moved with his parents to St. Paul,
Minnesota, completing his education in St. Paul High School.
In 1895 he moved to San Jose, California, and worked in the
fruit raising business.

In 1897 he moved to Colville, Washington, where he resided
the remainder of his life. He was married in 1902 to Miss
Selma L. Cranney, daughter of Thomas Cranney who was
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in
1874. Together they raised a family consisting of two sons. He
was involved in the mercantile business for twelve years and
served as the town’s postmaster from 1900 to 1909. On January 1, 1909, he sold his mercantile
business and entered the banking business in the capacity of cashier.

Brother Baker was made a Master Mason in Colville Lodge No. 50, in 1898 and served as Master
of his Lodge in 1901. His first appointment in Grand Lodge was in June of 1901 where he was
appointed chairman of the Committee on Representative Expenses. He was elected Junior Grand
Warden in 1906 and followed the line to Grand Master in 1909.

He was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Colville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M., and
served his Chapter as High Priest; was a Past Patron of Colville Chapter, No. 57, O. E. S. and Past
nd
Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Washington. He also was a Knight Templar, a 32
Degree member of the Scottish Rite and a member of El Katif Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S. of Spokane, Washington.