John Baker

Who was John Baker?

John Baker was an American politician who represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives from 1811 to 1813.

Baker was born in Frederick County, Maryland but his birth date is unknown. He attended Washington College, Lexington, Virginia for three years. Later, he studied law. He was admitted to the bar and began practice in Berkeley County, Virginia.

Baker was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1798–1799. He was one of the lawyers who defended Aaron Burr when he was tried for treason. He was elected as a Federalist to the Twelfth Congress with 56.44% of the vote, defeating Democratic-Republican Daniel Morgan. After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He was the Commonwealth attorney for Jefferson County. He died in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia in 1823 and is buried in the Old Episcopal Church Cemetery.