Hilary Baker

Hilary Baker (February 21, 1746 – September 25, 1798) was an American abolitionist and politician who served as the mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1796 to 1798. He helped found the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and created Philadelphia's first paid and uniformed police force. He was the first Philadelphia policeman to die in the line of duty.

He was a staunch abolitionist and helped organize the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. He established Philadelphia's first paid, uniformed police force of 20 watchmen to protect the city from vandalism and looting. He contracted yellow fever and died on September 25, 1798. He was originally interred at Zion Church at Eighth and Race Streets

Baker was the maternal grandfather of abolitionist and Union Army spy Elizabeth Van Lew.