Erasmus's father was Basil Caleb Baker, Sr and his mother was Lavina Haldeman Baker. His wife was the former Annie Hillegeist( b. abt. 1868 ). They had two daughters named Ailee and Ethel who were born in 1892 and 1895, respectively. Annie outlived her husband by thirty years, but she never remarried. In the 1920 census, she is found living with her daughter and son-in-law in a house at 724 Courtland in the Heights section of Houston. In 1930, she is still living with her daughter and son-in-law, but at 822 Yale St., also in the Heights. Annie died 14 Apr 1947. She is buried at Salem Lutheran Cemetery near Tomball, TX.
Erasmus may have gotten his name from his uncle Erasmus Haldeman who died in 1862 in the Civil War as a Private with the 10th Texas Cavalry. His middle name "Magruder" likely was to honor the hero of the battle of Galveston, General Magruder. Please see an account of the Battle below:

Location: Galveston County

Campaign: Operations against Galveston (1862-1863)

Date(s): January 1, 1863

Principal Commanders: Col. Isaac S. Burrell and Cdr. W.B. Renshaw, U.S.N. [US]; Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder [CS]

Forces Engaged: Companies D, G and I, 42nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the Blockading ships [US]; four Confederate gunboats and district of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona troops [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 650 total (US 600; CS 50)

Description: Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder, who became the Confederate commander of military forces in Texas on November 29, 1862, gave the recapture of Galveston top priority. At 3:00 am on New Year's Day, 1863, four Confederate gunboats appeared, coming down the bay toward Galveston. Soon afterward, the Rebels commenced a land attack. The Union forces in Galveston were three companies of the 42nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment under the command of Col. Isaac S. Burrell. The Confederates captured or killed all of them except for the regiment's adjutant. They also took Harriet Lane, by boarding her, and two barks and a schooner. Cdr. W.B. Renshaw's flagship, U.S.S. Westfield, ran aground when trying to help Harriet Lane and, at 10:00 am, she was blown up to prevent her capture by the Confederates. Galveston was in Confederate hands again although the Union blockade would limit commerce in and out of the harbor.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Erasmus Baker was for a time a law enforcement officer in Houston, but on the 1910 census, his occupation is listed as carpenter. His 1917 death certificate lists his occupation as Deputy Sheriff. His brother J.W. was listed as the source of information.