User:Jon C. Baker

Jon was born in 1864 in western New York. Born the son of sailor Edward W. Baker III,  Jon was born into a family of promise. As a child Jon was home schooled by his father. At the age of 14 Jon left his parents house to attend St. Agnes Junior college. Jon excelled in his studies and decided to major in geology. During school Jon was involved in many groups. His was the original founder of the Crown and Anchor Society, a group dedicated to the preservation of ethics at sea. On weekends members would head to the dock and pass out literature to sailors.

Jon was an athletic young man. He was running back of the St. Agnes football team. He was know of the streaking ostrich on the football field. During his time on the team St. Agnes was able to beat Washington Junior Academy 3 consecutive years. Jon was also a member of the St. Agnes basketball team. Jon was a power forward and was know for his signature move, the windmill woodchopper dunk.

After graduation Jon went to work at sea. Jon made a name for himself as a first mate on the SS Constance. While at sea the SS Constance was sent to help control the smuggler problem in the Caribbean Sea. Jon rose fame during the Battle of Three Ships. After the battle Jon was given a heroes welcome and commissioned as an officer on the SS Calabassas. Jon was able to become first petty officer, and help reduce the pirate problem in the Indian Ocean.

After leaving the SS Calabassas, returned to New York. He used the commission earned while onboard the ship to buy a plot of land in upstate New York. Jon proceeded to start a small farm on his land. While farming Jon discovered gold. Soon after the discovery Jon started the Goldthumb Company. Word spread quickly throughout New York, and Jon became famous for his gold quarry.

Jon diversified his industry and started buying up companies. He invested in railroads forming the Reading Railroad company in 1896. His railroad was later able to expand and developed the 5th cross country rail company. He bought into the Echerton Press, which later failed miserably.

Jon was also known as a philanthropist. He also owned one of the largest horse hospital in New York. Where injured race horses were brought for treatment before being made into glue. Jon was know as a supporter of education and helped form Wellesyn University in Virginia. He remained a member of the board of trustees until his death. He was know for his contributions to the arts. He financed many off broadway plays including, Where's My Gun, You Sank My Battle Ship, and As I Fall From a Window.

Jon's life was cut tragically short during the stock market crash of 1929. During the crash all of Jon's companies went bankrupt, and Jon took his own life by jumping out a window. Jon will always be remembered for his generous contributions to the arts, and his love of education.