Robert Baker (1862 - 1943) - Find A Grave Memorial

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Robert Baker

Birth:	Apr., 1862
Death:	Jun. 15, 1943
US Congressman. British-born Democrat who was elected to represent New York in the United States House of Representative, serving a single term from March 4, 1903 to March 3, 1905. He was an ardent reformer known as 'No-Pass Bob' during his single term in Congress, because of his opposition to free train rides for legislators. A firm believer in progressive thinker Henry George's "Single Tax" theory, in April 1893 he hosted the first meeting of the Citizen's Union at his home at 89 St. Marks Avenue in Brooklyn. The Citizen's Union still exists as a powerful, independent watchdog organization in New York municipal affairs (though it has long since abandoned its allegiance to Henry George). Elected to Congress in 1903, he had an eventful single term in office. He refused to appoint any cadets to West Point and offered a resolution to prevent American manufacture of warships, for example, because he opposed militarism. He also led the opposition to a pay increase for the President - from $50,000 to $100,000 a year - on the grounds that, in a republic, it wasn't necessary. He was ridiculed as a "comedian" who would "rather be different than right." (bio by: Joe Fodor) Search Amazon for Robert Baker

Burial: The Evergreens Cemetery Brooklyn Kings County New York, USA Plot: Nazareth Section, Lot 936
Maintained by: Find A Grave Record added: Jan 30, 2001 Find A Grave Memorial# 19973