He came from England in 1639 and was enrolled as a Free Planter atMilford, Connecticut, one of the original six towns of the New Haven Colony.  He remained there for slightly more than a decade. In May 1650 he entered into an agreement with Daniel How [Howe] to purchase all of Howes accommodations and rights at East Hampton, for the sum of 20 pounds, to be delivered on September 29, 1650. (East Hampton Town Records 1:4-5). On August 24, 1650 Thomas Baker paid the agreed purchase price and moved to East Hampton, Long Island where he lived for the remainder of his life.

       At the first election, Thomas Baker was chosen as one of four "Townsmen", who with the Constable, wielded considerable authority in ordering the affairs of the town. He was reelected to this post each succeeding year until 1662. On June 24, 1654, the Court confirmed Thomas Talmage and Thomas Baker as the military officers chosen by the Company raised for the defense of the town. (East Hampton Town Records 1:58). The town records of November 9, 1654 state: "It is ordered that Thomas Baker shall keep the Ordinary." (East Hampton Town Records 1:61). This license to operate a public house, which included the responsibility for dispensing "strong waters" in accordance with town regulations, was retained by him until 1673.

       He was a spokesman for East Hampton on numerous occasions. In March 1657/8 he was selected, with John Hand, to go to Connecticut to bring East Hampton under jurisdiction of that colony. In 1665 he was foreman of the first grand jury to sit in the Province of New York, in New

York City. In 1666 he was chosen overseer, and in 1667 constable. On May 4, 1671 he was chosen with Rev. Thomas James to negotiate with the towns of Southhold and Southhampton concerning procurement of a charter. (East Hampton Town Records 1:337). People of the three eastern towns objected strongly to paying taxes unless they were levied by a General Assembly chosen by the people. In 1681 Captain Josiah Hobart and Thomas Baker were chosen to represent East Hampton to complain of the lack of a General Assembly. He was Justice of the Peace in 1675 and a patentee in both of the town patents.  He was a prominent citizen of East Hampton and served in the town government, in various capacities, for nearly forty years.

       Thomas Baker Family Bible In 1914 in the possession of Mrs. Mary Baker Hedges Easthampton, New York Per facsimilie from "Baker Ancestry" by Frank Baker, Chicago, 1914

        Hothfield, Kent Parish Church (St. Margarets). Archdeacons Transcripts; Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1563-1812 FHL1751915 microfilm of original records housed at the Canterbury Cathedral Archives, Canterbury, Kent, England.