Percival Baker

Percival Baker (born: 1862 - died: July 20, 1921 Edmonton, Alberta) was a farmer, church minister and politician in Alberta, Canada.

Early life

Baker was born in York County, Ontario in 1862. He attended the University of Kentucky. After graduating from University he joined the ministry of the Baptist Church and served for many years. He moved to Alberta in 1908 and took up farming.

Political career and death

He ran as an Independent in the 1913 provincial election, and was defeated by Liberal incumbent William A. Campbell.

Baker became heavily involved in the United Farmers of Alberta eventually becoming Vice President for the organization.

He ran and was elected successfully 1921 provincial election for the United Farmers of Alberta he faced Campbell again this time defeating him Campbell was attempting to regain his seat after being defeated in the 1917 Alberta general election. Baker won despite being unable to campaign for the last week of the election he won his district of Ponoka by a large majority. The accident that claimed his life happened 3 weeks prior on his farm, while chopping down trees.

After the accident he was transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton for the final week of his life and passed away from injuries 24 hours after winning the election on July 20, 1921. Prior to his death it was speculated he would have been a member of the United Farmers governing cabinet.

He holds the record for shortest time served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and died as a member-elect having never being officially sworn into office.

Future premier John Edward Brownlee would replace him as the representative for his electoral district. Brownlee was acclaimed in a by-election held on December 9, 1921.

Baker was a big family man, at the time of his death he left behind a wife and 7 children (2 daughters and 5 sons).

External links

* [http://www.rootsweb.com/~abponoka/bios-5.htm#baker Percival Baker Roots Web]
* [http://www.ourfutureourpast.ca/newspapr/np_page2.asp?code=nkjp0370.jpgMember - Elect Ponoka died as a result of farm accident, Edmonton Journal July 20, 1921]