The Biographical Dictionary of America/Baker, Marcus

BAKER, Marcus, explorer, was born at Ostemo, Kalamazoo county, Mich., Sept. 23, 1849. He was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1870, and during 1871 was professor of mathematics in Albion college. In 1871 he returned to the University of Michigan as instructor of mathematics. In 1873 he was appointed assistant on the United States coast survey, holding the position from 1873 to 1886, after which time he was geographer of the United States geological survey. He thoroughly explored the Pacific coast and Alaska. He was superintendent of the United States signal service observatory at Los Angeles, Cal., from July, 1882, to August, 1884. He is the author of many valuable scientific articles; also in conjunction with William H. Dall, compiled material for a "Coast Pilot of Alaska" and contributed the "Alaska Coast Pilot, Appendix 1, Meteorology and Bibliography" (1879). Articles by Mr. Baker are to be found in each annual report of the U. S. geological survey.