Edward D. Baker was an American politician and military officer born on February 24, 1811. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois and was known for his strong support of the Union during the American Civil War. Baker was also a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln. In addition to his political career, Baker was a colonel in the Union Army and played a significant role in several battles. He was ultimately promoted to brigadier general but was killed at the Battle of Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861, becoming one of the first high-ranking officers to die in the war.