Edward Dickinson Baker, an American senator and soldier, born in London, England, Feb. 24, 1811, killed at the battle of Ball's Bluff in Virginia, Oct. 21, 1861. The family emigrated to the United States in 1815, settling first in Philadelphia, and afterward at Belleville, 111. Having been admitted to the bar, Baker took up his residence at Springfield, 111. He was elected member of the legislature in 1837, of the state senate in 1840, and representative in congress in 1844. When the war with Mexico broke out in 1846, he resigned his seat in congress, became colonel of a regiment of volunteers from Illinois, was present at the siege of Vera Cruz, and commanded a brigade at the battle of Cerro Gordo. In 1848 he was again elected to congress, but declined, having become connected with the Panama railway. In 1852 he settled in California, where he practised law with success, took an active part in political discussions, and was nominated by the republicans for congress, but was not elected. He removed to Oregon, and in 1860 was elected to the United States senate from that state. When the civil war broke out he raised a regiment in New York and Philadelphia, of which he was appointed colonel, having declined a commission as general.

At the battle of Ball's Bluff, where he commanded a brigade, he received several bullets, one of which passed through his head, killing him on the field.