Monroe Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monroe Baker
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| Mayor of St. Martinville, Louisiana | |
| In office October 1867 – February 1868 |
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| Preceded by | Pierre Gary |
| Succeeded by | A.L. Tertron |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1821 or 1823 |
| Spouses | Mary L. Barrier Clotide Baker |
| Children | 12 |
Monroe Baker was an important American politician. He served as the mayor of St. Martinville, Louisiana. He is known as one of the very first African-American mayors in the United States. He was born in either 1821 or 1823.
Early Life and Background
Monroe Baker was born in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. This was either in 1821 or 1823. Records from the 1870 US census suggest 1821. However, the 1850 US census points to 1823. He later moved to St. Martinville, Louisiana.
Baker was listed as a "free black" person. This meant he was not enslaved. He was also described as being of mixed race descent. His first job was as a farmer.
Becoming Mayor
In October 1867, something big happened. The Governor at the time, Benjamin Flanders, chose Monroe Baker to be the mayor of St. Martinville. This happened after the previous mayor, Pierre Gary, passed away.
This appointment was very significant. It made Monroe Baker one of the earliest, if not the first, African-American mayors in the entire United States. However, not everyone was happy about it. A newspaper in Alexandria printed very negative comments about him. They said it was wrong for a Black person to be mayor over white residents.
Monroe Baker served as mayor for several months. His term ended in February 1868. After him, A.L. Tertron became the new mayor.
Later Life and Family
After his time as mayor, Monroe Baker continued to be involved in his community. In 1875, he ran for a position as a trustee of St. Martinville. There were four seats available, and he came in fifth place.
His jobs changed over the years. The 1870 census listed him as a "livery stable keeper." This means he managed a place where horses and carriages could be rented. By 1891, he was known as a "successful planter." This suggests he was doing well in farming.
Monroe Baker also had a large family. In 1845, he married Mary L. Barrier. They had 12 children together. Sources also mention he had a second wife named Clotide. It is believed that he had a total of 12 children between his two marriages.
