Henry Knox Baker's career in Hallowell spanned from 1821 to 1902. He began as an apprentice in the printing office of Col. Masters, became the editor of the Hallowell Gazette at age twenty-one and later became one of the publishers of the American Advocate.

He represented Hallowell in the Maine Legislature in the 1840s and 1850s and became Clerk of the legislature in 1855. The same year he was appointed Kennebec County Probate Judge. Other accomplishments include being the first librarian of the Hallowell Social Library, helping create what was to become the State School for Girls and treasurer of the Hallowell Savings Institution from 1854 to 1901. At the age of ninety-five he wrote The Hallowell Book, a collection of short histories and poems.