Philanthropist. Born in Dundee, the daughter of linen manufacturer William Baxter (1767 - 1854), and younger sister of Sir David Baxter (1793 - 1872). Baxter never married and was strongly religious. In 1881, she became a founder and significant benefactor of University College, Dundee, as a College of the University of St. Andrews and was determined that it educated women on equal terms to men. This later became the University of Dundee. With her brother, she also founded Dundee Technical Institute and gave Baxter Park to the city.
She lived at Ellangowan House in Dundee and Balgavies House in Angus, both of which had been inherited from her father. Baxter is remembered by a wall-plaque on the Perth Road, next to the University of Dundee, and by a bronze ground-plaque in Slessor Gardens on Dundee's waterfront. Her portrait is held by the University of Dundee.
