 After settling in Cincinnati, Baum became active in civic affairs, and was elected mayor in 1807 and 1812.Through his agents in Baltimore, New Orleans and Philadelphia, Baum attracted a great number of German immigrants to work in his various enterprises — steamboats, a sugar refinery, a foundry, and real estate.Baum founded the Western Museum, was active in the first public library in 1802, and was one of the main pillars of the First Presbyterian Church.