William R. Baker

William Robinson Baker (May 21, 1820 – April 30, 1890) was an American railroad executive and politician who served as the 29th Mayor of Houston from 1880 to 1886. Baker was previously the Director and Vice President of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and represented the 14th district in the Texas Senate for one term, from 1874 to 1876.

Early life Baker was born on May 21, 1820, in Baldwinsville, New York to Asa Baker and the former Hannah Robinson. He lived in New York until age 17 at which time he moved to Houston in the Republic of Texas. There he was a bookkeeper for the Houston Town Company for about two years. Starting around 1839, he managed a general store for two years. Baker was one of just twenty-eight Texans in 1860 with at least $200,000 real estate assets. serving the city from 1880 through 1886.

Personal life In December 1845, Baker married Hester E. Runnels. She was a niece of former Mississippi Governor Hiram Runnels.

Death Baker died April 30, 1890.