The Biographical Dictionary of America/Baker, Peter Carpenter

BAKER, Peter Carpenter, publisher, was born at North Hempstead, N. Y., March 25, 1822. After receiving an academic education he, as a lad, obtained a position in New York city in a book firm, where he remained for several years. He then learned the printing business under William E. Dean, and superintended the extensive establishment of John F. Trow, publisher of the New York city directory, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with the business of making and selling books. In 1850 he joined with Daniel Godwin in forming the law publishing firm of Baker & Godwin, which existed until 1865, when Mr, Baker founded the firm of Baker, Voorhies & Co. He edited The Steam Press, an uncompromising union journal, published during the civil war. He also suggested the De Groot statue of Franklin in Printing house square, New York, made from type metal contributed from worn-out fonts of the various printing-houses in the city. His publications consist of monographs, addresses and orations, including "European Recollections" (1861), and "Franklin" (1865). He died May 19, 1889.