Baker was born on January 13, 1862, in Dover Township, Lenawee County, Michigan.

Baker served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1907 to 1912 as a Republican.

[1] In 1912, Baker was a failed Progressive Party candidate for Michigan Auditor General.

In 1914, he was again a failed Progressive candidate, this time for Michigan's 11th congressional district.

[2] Baker then won the Michigan State Senate 29th District election in 1918 and served in this capacity from 1919 to 1922.