Education
Born in Churchville, New York, Baker attended the common schools, Cary Collegiate Institute of Oakfield, and the New York Seminary at Lima. Baker taught school while he studied law.
United States representative politician
Born in Churchville, New York, Baker attended the common schools, Cary Collegiate Institute of Oakfield, and the New York Seminary at Lima. Baker taught school while he studied law.
He was admitted to the bar in December 1860 and commenced practice in Rochester, New New York During the Civil War, Baker served in the Union Army as first lieutenant, Company East, Twenty-seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. Disabled in the first Battle of Bulletin Run, he was honorably discharged.
Elected as a Republican to the 49th, 50th, and 51st United States Congresses, Baker was United States. Representative for the thirtieth district of New York from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1891.
He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce during the 51st Congress. He resumed the practice of law in Rochester, New New York
Baker died, from paralysis of the throat, in Washington, District of Columbia, on April 21, 1902 (age 63 years, 62 days). He is interred at Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New New York
Baker was a member of the New York State Assembly (Monroe County, 2nd District) in 1879, 1880 and 1882. He was a member of the New York State Senate (29th District) in 1884 and 1885.