Berta E. Baker (November 27, 1875 – May 4, 1964) was a North Dakota public servant and politician with the Republican Party who became known for being the first woman to serve in two of the state's statewide offices. Baker served as the first female North Dakota State Treasurer from 1929 to 1932, and as the first female North Dakota State Auditor from 1935 to 1956.

Berta E. Baker
Berta E. Baker
North Dakota State Treasurer
In office
1929–1932
GovernorGeorge F. Shafer
Preceded byChessmur A. Fischer
Succeeded byAlfred S. Dale
North Dakota State Auditor
In office
1935–1956
GovernorThomas H. Moodie
Walter Welford
William Langer
John Moses
Fred G. Aandahl
Norman Brunsdale
Preceded byJohn Steen
Succeeded byCurtis G. Olson
Personal details
BornNovember 27, 1875
Sterling, Illinois
DiedMay 4, 1964 (aged 88)
Minot, North Dakota
Political partyRepublican

Biography

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Berta Baker was born near Sterling, Illinois in 1875, and received her early education there. After finishing her education, she taught school in the state of Illinois for five years, and married Bert F. Baker, a man who would become a state Senator in the 1920s. The Bakers moved to North Dakota in the spring of 1907 and settled on a farm in Renville County. After serving three years in the Senate, Mr. Baker died at age 57.[1] Ms. Baker continued to raise her four children, and secured a job in Bismarck. She was elected as the North Dakota State Treasurer in 1928, and was the first female in the position. She for four years; the maximum allowed by term limitation. Two years later, she sought the office of North Dakota State Auditor, and won. She served in that capacity until 1956 when she retired at age 81. Baker died in Minot, North Dakota at the age of 88 in 1964.[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ North Dakota Blue Book, 1954
  2. ^ North Dakota Blue Book, 2005
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for North Dakota State Auditor
1932, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by North Dakota State Treasurer
1929–1932
Succeeded by
Preceded by North Dakota State Auditor
1935–1956
Succeeded by