The Biographical Dictionary of America/Baker, William

BAKER, William, representative, was born in Washington county, Pa., April 29, 1831. He was graduated at Waynesbury college in 1856; was principal of the public schools at Council Bluffs, 1858-66; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Pennsylvania, 1866-77; removed to Kansas in 1878, and became a stockraiser. In 1890 he was elected to represent the 6th Kansas district in the 52d congress, the first candidate supported by the People's party in opposition to both Republican and Democratic nominees. He was returned to the 53d and 54th congresses.