After his education, James Baker (1739-1825) opened an apothecary shop in Dorchester, Massachusetts which then expanded into a general store. Having helped Daniel Vose establish a chocolate manufacturing business in 1772, Baker took on Nathaniel Blake shortly before Vose withdrew from the business in 1780. Baker then devoted all of his attention to making Baker's Chocolate. In 1804, James Baker retired and left the business to his son, Edmund. Under the guidance of Edmund and his son, Walter, the business achieved national prominence. This collection consists primarily of accounts and receipts. From these one can trace the development of the chocolate industry from James Baker's early venture in the 1770s to the establishment of the business in 1780. The first mention of cocoa can be found in a receipt dated 16 May 1771. By the late 1770s the receipts reflect Baker's deep involvement in the manufacturing of chocolate. Also included are various legal papers involving Baker, as well as an estate inventory of his brother, Ebenezer Baker (1743-1798), and documents relating to James Baker's guardianship of Ebenezer's children. AMDigital Reference: James Baker Papers, folder 4, Mss. Boxes "B".
