David Baird Sr.
David Baird Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date County Londonderry, Ireland |
| Died | February 25, 1927 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, financier, politician |
| Years active | 1856–1927 |
| Known for | United States Senator from New Jersey (1918–1919) |
David Baird Sr. (April 7, 1839 – February 25, 1927) was an American entrepreneur, financier, and Republican statesman originally from Northern Ireland who served as a United States Senator representing New Jersey between 1918 and 1919.
Biography
Hailing from County Londonderry, Ireland, Baird emigrated to the United States in 1856 and initially engaged in the lumber trade in Port Deposit, Maryland. By 1860, he relocated to Camden, New Jersey, where he continued his involvement in lumber and broadened his ventures into banking. His public service included membership on the Board of Chosen Freeholders for Camden County from 1876 to 1880, as well as holding the office of sheriff for Camden County, New Jersey during two terms: 1887–1889 and 1895–1897. Additionally, he was appointed to the State board of assessors in 1895 and again served from 1901 through 1909.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a Senate seat in 1910, Baird was designated on February 23, 1918, to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Senator William Hughes. Subsequently, he secured election as a member of the Republican Party on November 5, 1918, completing his term until March 3, 1919. Choosing not to pursue reelection, he resumed his commercial pursuits in Camden until his passing. His final resting place is at Harleigh Cemetery.
David Baird Sr. was also the father of David Baird Jr., who later served as a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey.