Nelson Baker was an American Catholic priest and veteran of the Union Army who lived in Buffalo and Lackawanna, New York. Born in 1841, he served in the New York State Militia and participated in the Battle of Gettysburg before working in the feed and grain industry. Following his ordination in 1876, he dedicated his life to social service by establishing numerous institutions. He is recognized for his extensive fundraising efforts that supported the poor and various social organizations in the Western New York region.