Edmund Baker was born in Dorchester, Ma. on April 20, 1770, the son of Dr. James and Lydia Baker. Although James trained as a physician, he practiced only briefly. In 1772, he began the manufacture of chocolate at Dorchester Lower Mills. In 1792, Edmund became a resident of the Lower Mills Village and took sole charge of the manufactory. He enlarged the works and became owner of all the mill privileges above the bridge on the Dorchester side of the Neponset River. Edmund's oldest son, Walter, graduated from Harvard in 1811 and studied law at Litchfield, Ct. While there, he started a factory for woolen goods. In 1824, he took over the chocolate manufactory as his father retired. Under Walter, the business expanded and became widely known as Walter Baker & Co. The firm remained in existence until it was purchased by General Foods in 1927.
From the description of Account book, 1792-1822. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 122573923
