Governor Joshua Baker

JOSHUA BAKER was born in Mason County, Kentucky on March 23, 1799. His early education was attained through tutors and through home schooling. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1891, Baker studied law in Connecticut. He was admitted to the bar in 1822, and then established his legal career, serving as judge of St. Mary’s Parish in 1829. On January 8, 1868, Governor Benjamin Flanders resigned from office, and General Winfield Scott Hancock appointed Baker to fill the uxexpired term of governor. During his tenure, Baker governed under the supervision of General Hancock, who was the district military commander at the time. The state treasury was virtually insolvent, and a directive was authorized to accrue all outstanding state fees, taxes, and revenues, which were to be used in the payment of state salaries and to supplement educational institutions and state programs. However, on June 27, 1868, both Governor Baker and General Hancock were removed from power. Baker retired from public service, and returned to his plantation and his law practice. He passed away on April 16, 1885 in Connecticut.