William Benjamin Baker

Republican Representative of Maryland's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

July 22, 1840 (70 years old)

Birthday

May 17, 1911

Death

Served as a U.S. Congressman from 1895 to 1901, representing Maryland’s second Congressional district.
Known as the father of rural mail delivery in the United States, initiating the first rural mail route in Carroll County.
Had a background in the canning industry, co-founding a canning factory and later managing multiple canneries.
Held leadership positions in local banking and telecommunications, including serving as the first president of the First National Bank of Aberdeen.
Participated in various state and congressional conventions, with a political career that included terms in the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate.
Earned the nickname “the Grand Old Man of Harford” for his long-standing service in politics.
Experienced personal challenges, including the loss of his first wife shortly after marriage and a stroke in 1911, which preceded his death later that year.