http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=497d224971c81010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD Louisiana Governor Joshua Baker Born: March 23, 1799 Died: April 16, 1885 Birth State: Kentucky Party: Democrat/Unionist Family: Married twice--Fanny Assherton, Catherine Patton; five children School(s): West Point Military Academy Periods in Office: From: January 8, 1868 To: June 27, 1868 Succeeded State Web Site JOSHUA BAKER, Louisiana's twenty-third governor,was born in Mason County, Kentucky on March 23, 1799. His early education was attained through tutors and through home schooling. After graduating from West Point 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. General Winfield Scott Hancock then appointed Baker to fill the uxexpired term of governor. During his tenure, he governed under the supervision of General Hancock, who was the district military commander at the time. Also, the state treasury was virtually insolvent, and a directive was authorized to accrue all outstanding state fees, taxes, and revenues, which was 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. Governor Joshua Baker passed away on April 16, 1885 in Connecticut. Sources: Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols. Encyclopedia Louisiana The Political Graveyard Louisiana Secretary of State