John Baker (representative)

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

Early life

John Baker was born in 1769 in Frederick County in the Province of Maryland. He attended Washington College, Lexington, Virginia for three years. Later, he studied law and was admitted to the bar.

Career

Baker began a law practice in Berkeley County, Virginia.
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. 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.

Personal life

Baker married Ann Mark, daughter of John Mark. His daughter Ann married Virginia Governor Thomas Walker Gilmer.
Baker died on August 18, 1823, in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia. He is buried in the Old Episcopal Church Cemetery.