Philip P. Baker

Philip Pontius Baker (January 14, 1846 – December 7, 1919) was an American businessman and Democratic Party politician who represented Cumberland County, New Jersey in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1883 to 1884 and New Jersey Senate from 1887 to 1890.

Along with his brothers, Latimer and J. Thompson Baker, he was instrumental in the development of Wildwood and Wildwood Crest as resort towns on the Jersey Shore.

Early life and education Philip Pontius Baker was born in Cowan, Pennsylvania on January 14, 1846, to Jacob and Catharine (née Pontius) Baker. He was raised on the family's large farm. His father died when he was sixteen, leaving him in charge.

Business career In 1869, Baker moved to Vineland, New Jersey, where he established a merchandising firm with his brother, Latimer.

In 1891, Baker was appointed receiver of the Philadelphia Seashore Railway. He also served as president of the Tradesmens Bank of Vineland, was vice president of the Wildwood and Delaware Bay Shore Line Railroad and the Wildwood Title Trust Company, and, along with his brothers, was a leading developer in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, two Jersey Shore resort towns in Cape May County. He organized the narrow-gauge Railroad of Philadelphia and Cape May. He was a member of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.

Baker also served as mayor of Wildwood Crest.

Baker died at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia on August 18, 1920, after complications from surgery and an illness of several weeks. He was interred beside his son, Curtis Baker, at a cemetery in Cape May Court House.