Smyrna times., 1908-01-08
ASSEMBLYMAN ", H, BAGGS
ENDS LONG AND USEFUL LIFE
EXPIRES AT HIS HOME ON MT. VERNON
STREET SUNDAY MORNING AGED EIGHTY
Spent His Life In Public Service, Was Ap-
pointed Smyrna Postmaster For IL Years
anC Twice Member of the Legislature

Spent His Life In Public Service, Was Ap-
pointed Smyrna Postmaster For II Years
anc Twice a Member of the Legislature
William H. Baggs, State Represent
alive of Duck Greek Hundred in the
Delaware Legislature, a man promi-
pent in the affairs of his town and state
for more than fifty years, died at his
home on Mt. Vernon Street Sunday
morning at seven O'Clock in his 8ist
year week ago he suffered a heart
attack and despite the fact that he was
aman we'll preserved for his years, he
began to sink rapidly until he fell to
seep Sunday morning. His death re-
moves one of the old landmarks of
Smyrna. Most of his life has been
spent in government service here and
in politics where he displayed more
than the usual executive ability, He
was life long member of the Republi-
can Party and was one of the 'Fear-
less Sixty" of Duck Creek Hundred
who voted for Abraham Lincoln during
the War when feeling ran high and
men took stand at their peril. For
more than fifty years he has warmly
espoused the principles of the Repub.
lican Party and has given of his time
and influence to the Party's success.
Was Appointed Postmaster for Twelve years
He was appointed postmaster of
Smyrna for three consecutive terms
~ years. under the administration of
Presidents Grant, Hayes and Garfield
Arthur. He succeeded the late
POstman Thomas L. Carrow. Later
be served his constituents in the Kent
County Levy Court and in the Della.
ware Legislature where he made
good record. In the Legislature he
was familiary known as 'Ethe nestor of
the House." At the recent session he
was temporary Speaker of the House.
representative Baggs was a strong
temperance advocate and championed
h the Bottle Law Repeater" through
Ae lower branch with a good majority.
Unfortunately, however, the bill was
y killed in the Senate. He also took an
aetive part IN seeing the Local Option
Bill pass the Legislature and during
the recent campaign against the saloon
vas an ardent worker.
BOyhOOd COmpaniOnship of President Lincoln.
Representative Baggs was born near
Marydel March 81, 1927. Having lost
bis father when a boy he went west
with his uncle and settled in Spring
field, ILL.,, where he learned the mer
camille business. While in this town
be had the unique privilege of enjoying
the companiOnship of Abraham Lin
coin who later became President and
Joe Jefferson, who became one of the
worlds famous actors. He knew them
both and played with them as boys, a
femlniscence that he was always proud
to relate. When 19 years old he
returned East and settled in Smyrna.
Afew years later he was appointed mag
'trate, which he served for one term'
during the War he enlisted in the
Sixth Delaware Regiment and was a
member of the Band After the War
De carried on the mercantile business.
Inen followed his long term in the
pOstoilce where he made many friends
Oy bis kind and obliging manners. AT
Ter this he again followed the mercantile
BUSINESS, and was Alderman of the
Town OF Smyrna. In the fall of 1900
ue was elected Commissioner from
'uis district to the Kent County Levy
OOuft which position he filled with
credit Tor four years when his party
vaned him to higher position and in
l'V4 he was elected to represent Duck
O'eek Hundred in the Lower House of
me Delaware Legislature a position he
uHed with such distinction he was
salh elected in 1906 for the term
sulch he was serving at the time of his
u'alh and which would have expired
next January.
us SDOmestic Life and Church Affiliations.
al the age of 81 Mr.. Baggs was
,uued IN marriage to Miss Sarah
I'1''ina Denning daughter of the late
.Onn NJ and Esther Denning of this
S"u' -Four children were born Of
pis union: John d. Baggs late of
DAllas, Texas, deceased, Anna E. wife
n ,ne late Willard G.. Pierce; William
y Daggs, postmaster of Stevensville,
SUu'ana; and George T. Baggs an
'Orney-at-law atr StevensviIle, Mon
qua His wife died in 1864. In 1867
gam married, his second wife be-
~ MISS Sarah E. Collins daughter of
~. 'e Benjamin l.. and Sarah s.
NJ ,us OF this town who survives him.
uvoe 4 -.