US Presidential Cabinet Member. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University 1892, earned a law degree at Lee University 1894 and proceeded to practice law in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Moving to Cleveland, Ohio, he became active in local politics, served as City Solicitor (1901-09) and was elected the 37th Mayor of Cleveland, serving (1912-16). With the advent of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him the Secretary of War in 1916. In position as Baker was responsible for drafting, organizing and outfitting an army of two million men as quickly as possible, plus demobilizing the troops and negotiating the cancellation of war contracts when the war ended. Baker left office and Washington D.C. in the spring of 1921, returning to his law firm in Cleveland. For his service, he was awarded the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal in 1928. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 66 in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
US Presidential Cabinet Member. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University 1892, earned a law degree at Lee University 1894 and proceeded to practice law in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Moving to Cleveland, Ohio, he became active in local politics, served as City Solicitor (1901-09) and was elected the 37th Mayor of Cleveland, serving (1912-16). With the advent of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him the Secretary of War in 1916. In position as Baker was responsible for drafting, organizing and outfitting an army of two million men as quickly as possible, plus demobilizing the troops and negotiating the cancellation of war contracts when the war ended. Baker left office and Washington D.C. in the spring of 1921, returning to his law firm in Cleveland. For his service, he was awarded the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal in 1928. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 66 in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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