[3] During the American Civil War he joined the Confederate States Army and served two-and-a-half years as color bearer for Waddell's Battalion of Artillery.

[2] Following the war, Baker became a graduate of East Alabama Male College (now Auburn University).

Baker opened his own law office in Crawford, Alabama and practiced there for three years before moving to Missouri.

As he was concluding his business and preparing to return, Justice DeForest Porter requested Baker serve as special prosecutor for a Maricopa County attorney accused of malfeasance in office.

[5] Baker was elected a member of the council (upper house) for the 11th Arizona Territorial Legislature in November 1880.

[5] On February 2, 1882, Baker married Mary Jesus Alexander in a ceremony performed by Justice Porter.

On top of his duties as Chief Justice, Baker was responsible Arizona Territory's third judicial district.

[1] Following his election, Baker was asked to fill the vacancy left by Justice Franklin's resignation.