[1] She earned a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of California in 1891, and became one of the first female high school teachers in the United States.

Baume found New Zealand life "provincial" and stood out for being an American university-educated woman.

[1][2][3] Baume's husband died in Germany in 1910, and the family were left in difficult financial circumstances.

[1] Baume became one of the first three women candidates for Parliament in New Zealand (alongside Melville and Aileen Cooke),[4] standing for the Liberal Party for the seat of Parnell in 1919.

[1][10] Her funeral was attended by the Prime Minister, George Forbes, the Chief Justice and many other leading political figures.

[1] Her son Sidney Baume, after his move to Australia, became a radio station manager and later an advertising agent.