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Murray Morrison Baker (1872–1964) was the first executive vice president of Holt Manufacturing Company that became Caterpillar Tractor Company.[1]
Murray M. Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Murray Morrison Baker 1872 Alton, Illinois, USA |
| Died | August 5, 1964 (aged 91–92) Peoria, Illinois, USA |
| Known for | First Executive VP of Holt Manufacturing Company |
| Spouse |
Mary Lyman (m. 1904) |
| Children | 3 |
Baker owned a home at 1222 W. Moss in the West Bluff neighborhood of Peoria, Illinois.[2] He married Mary Lyman of La Grange, Illinois in 1904; she died in 1957.[3]
Baker was a farm implements dealer.[4] He worked with Deere and Co. in St. Louis in 1890.[3]
In 1908, the Colean Co., a steam-powered tractor firm went bankrupt and its plant went up for sale.[2][5][6][7] Baker alerted Pliny Holt of Holt Manufacturing Company to the opportunity.[2][8][9][5][10] Baker joined the Holt Manufacturing Company in 1909 and became vice president and general manager.[2][7] Baker helped the company secure military contracts during World War I, which helped the company grow four-fold.[2]
In 1917, he was involved in building a seven-mile stretch of Illinois Route 116 in East Peoria.[2][9] During World War II, he advocated for a new bridge over the Illinois River between Peoria and East Peoria.[2]
Baker worked at Caterpillar until 1927.[2]
Baker also influenced R.G. LeTourneau to bring his business to Peoria in 1935, at the Avery Manufacturing Co. site on NE Adams Street which is present-day Komatsu plant.[2][11]
Baker served on the Caterpillar Board for over 40 years, from 1925 to 1957.[2]
Philanthropy
Baker contributed funds to Bradley University, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Proctor Hospital, and Methodist Hospital.[2][3]
Baker died at the age of 92.[3]
The Murray Baker Bridge, which carries Interstate 74 over the Illinois River, was named for Baker in 1956.[3] The bridge was dedicated on Dec. 12, 1958.[12]
Baker Hall, former home of the Foster College of Business Administration at Bradley University, was named for Baker and demolished in 2017.[13][14]
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