Governor Samuel Aaron Baker

SAMUEL A. BAKER was born in Patterson, Missouri on November 7, 1874. His education was attained at Southeast Missouri State Teachers’ College, and at Missouri Valley College, where he earned a law degree. Before entering into politics, Baker had a long and diversified career in education. He taught in the Wayne County rural schools, and served as a high school principal and superintendent in several different districts. Baker won his first election to the office of state superintendent of schools, a position he held from 1919 to 1923. He next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor on November 4, 1924. He was inaugurated on January 12, 1925. During his tenure, banking reform legislation was sanctioned; funding was secured for road improvements; and transportation developments were promoted. After completing his term, Baker left office on January 14, 1929 and retired from political life. Governor Samuel A. Baker passed away on September 16, 1933, and was buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.