From "History of Wheeling City and Ohio County, West Virginia and 
Representative Citizens," by Hon. Gibson Lamb Cranmer, 1902.

Typed by Carol Taylor Lanza.

Page 792

WILLIAM L. BAIKER, the successful manager and part proprietor of the 
Troy Laundry of Wheeling, is a native son of the city, which has 
profited by his well directed efforts, and was born January 19, 1869.

His father, Lorentz Baiker, was born in Germany, September 24, 1844, 
and upon arriving in the United States, in 1858, located in Wheeling, 
which has since been his home.  In his early days the elder Baiker 
learned to be a barber and followed that occupation for several years 
after coming to America; but in 1882 he engaged in the laundry 
business, and is now a partner of this son.  May 22, 1868, he married 
Caroline Whitzel, a native of Wheeling, and a daughter of William 
Whitzel.  To Lawrence and his wife were born four children, namely:  
William L.; Joseph; Anna; and Agnes; and of these, Anna is deceased.

The youth of William L. Baiker was not unlike that of the average boy, 
and his education was acquired in the public schools, supplemented by 
additional training at St. Joseph's Academy, from which he was 
graduated in 1882.  As one would naturally suppose, his first effort at 
earning a livelihood was in connection with his father's business, and 
his extensive knowledge of the various departments of laundering was 
gained while working from the bottom round of the ladder to the top.  
It is needless to say that since becoming a partner, in May, 1901, he 
as instituted improvements in accord with the best possible work, and 
has in contemplation facilities for accommodating a constantly 
increasing trade.  He is the oldest practical laundryman in Wheeling, 
and is also one of the most affable, obliging and reliable. 

The marriage of Mr. Baiker and Anna Dittman occurred in Wheeling July 
30, 1891, and two bright and interesting children are the result of 
this union, Mabel and Lawrence.  Mr. Baiker is a member of the Catholic 
Church, and is fraternally associated with the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen.  He is respected by all who know him, and is one of the 
enterprising and progressive business men of Wheeling.