John Baker (representative)

John Baker (1769 – August 18, 1823) was an American politician and lawyer who represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives from 1811 to 1813.

John Baker
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district
In office March 4, 1811 – March 4, 1813
Preceded by	James Stephenson
Succeeded by	Francis White
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Berkeley County district
In office 1798–1799 Serving with Magnus Tate
Personal details
Born	1769 (1769) Frederick County, Province of Maryland, British America
Died	August 18, 1823(1823-08-18) (aged 53–54) Shepherdstown, Virginia, U.S. (now West Virginia)
Resting place	Old Episcopal Church Cemetery
Political party	Federalist
Spouse	Ann Mark
Alma mater	Washington College
Occupation	Lawyer politician

Early life

John Baker was born in 1769^[1] in Frederick County in the Province of Maryland.^[2] He attended Washington College (now Washington and Lee University), Lexington, Virginia for three years. Later, he studied law and was admitted to the bar.^[2]

Career

Baker began a law practice in Berkeley County, Virginia (now Jefferson County, West Virginia).^[2]

Baker was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1798 to 1799. He was one of the lawyers who defended Aaron Burr when he was tried for treason.^[2] He was elected as a Federalist to the Twelfth Congress (March 4, 1811 – March 3, 1813) with 56.44% of the vote, defeating Democratic-Republican Daniel Morgan.^{[2][citation needed]} After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He was the commonwealth attorney for Jefferson County.^[2]

Personal life

Baker married Ann Mark, daughter of John Mark. His daughter Ann married Governor Thomas Walker Gilmer.^[3]

Baker died on August 18, 1823, in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He is buried in the Old Episcopal Church Cemetery.^[2]