William King Baker

William King Baker (1855-17 December 1927) was a manufacturer and local politician active in Acton, Middlesex.

A member of a Quaker family, he was born in Ontario, Canada. His family had roots in London and his father, Joseph Baker, established a company making machinery for bakers and confectioners in the English capital. By the late 1880s William was working for the firm, now known as Baker, Perkins Limited, Engineers. He settled in Acton, although e frequently travelled to and from Canada.

In 1901 he gained a seat on Middlesex County Council as a councillor for Acton North. He remained a member for 18 years. he had a particular interest in adult education, and founded the Acton Adult School. He was a member of the Liberal Party, and a pacifist and member of the local branch of the League of Nations Union.

He was a prolific author of both poetry and prose. His biographical books include A Quaker Apostle: In Memoriam John T. Dorland, and  A Quaker Warrior: The Life of William Hobson, George and Margaret Fox; and Penn the Statesman and Guilelma ''. He wrote two guidebooks: Acton, Middlesex and In the Heart of Canada.''

He died in Acton, aged 72, and after a funeral at Acton Friends' Meeting House was buried in Jordans Quaker Burial Ground, Buckinghamshire.