Charles Joseph Baker

Charles Joseph Baker (May 28, 1821 – September 23, 1894) was an American politician, businessman and banker. He was Mayor of Baltimore temporarily during the American Civil War for 88 days, from October 1861 to January 1862. He was also known for running his family's glass, paints and oils business, Baker Bros. & Co. and serving as the president of Franklin Bank.

Early life Charles Joseph Baker was born on May 28, 1821, at his father's estate "Friendsbury" in Baltimore. He was educated at schools in Baltimore. He graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1841. While in college, Baker joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. Baker was not recognized as an acting mayor until 1989 when an archivist realized that three temporary mayors followed the arrest of Mayor Brown.

During the American Civil War, Baker disapproved of the separation of the methodist church into the north and south churches. He established and built Chatsworth Church, an Independent Methodist Church, in Baltimore. He also built other Independent Methodist churches and chapels in Baltimore, including Bethany Church, Epworth Church, Friendsbury chapel and St. John's Chapel. They had seven children, including Bernard N. Baker, who became president of the Baltimore Storage and Lighterage Company.

Baker lived at "Athol", a country mansion in Catonsville, Baltimore. built in 1880. He also owned a property called "Tremont".

Baker died on September 23, 1894, at "Athol". He was buried at Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore.