John R. Baldwin

For the member of the rock band Led Zeppelin, whose full name is John Richard Baldwin, see John Paul Jones (musician).

John Richard Baldwin (May 10, 1854 – May 1, 1897) was a Massachusetts politician who served in the Massachusetts State Senate and as the 20th Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts.

John Richard Baldwin[1]
20th Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts
In office January 5, 1885 – January 4, 1886
Preceded by	William L. Baird
Succeeded by	George D. Hart
Member of the Massachusetts State Senate[2] for the First Essex District,[3][4]
In office 1882–1884
Preceded by	Harmon Hall
Succeeded by	Josiah C. Bennett
Chairman of the Lynn, Massachusetts School Committee[2][4]
In office 1880–1882
Member of the Lynn, Massachusetts School Committee[2][4]
In office 1880–1886
Personal details
Born	May 10, 1854[1] Lynn, Massachusetts[4]
Died	May 1, 1897(1897-05-01) (aged 42) Lynn, Massachusetts
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth A. Merritt, m. December 27, 1883[4]
Children	Ellen Elizabeth Baldwin, b. December 2, 1884; Esther Merritt Baldwin, b. August 12, 1886; Mary Converse Baldwin, b. November 15, 1887; John R. Jr., d. 5/1889; Richard Burrill Baldwin, b. July 11, 1891.[4]
Alma mater	Harvard[2]
Profession	Attorney[2]

Early life and career

Baldwin was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on May 10, 1854.^[4] Baldwin attended the Lynn public schools^[2] and Harvard College graduating in 1877. Baldwin was admitted as to the Massachusetts Bar in 1880.^[4] From 1880 on^[2] Baldwin practiced law in Lynn, first under the firm name of Baldwin & Baker, and, after dissolving that partnership in 1885, he worked as a solo legal practitioner.^[4]

On December 27, 1883, Baldwin married Elizabeth A. Merritt, the couple had three daughters Helen Elizabeth Baldwin, Esther Merritt Baldwin, and Mary Converse Baldwin; and two sons, John R. Baldwin, Jr., and Richard Burrill Baldwin.^[4]

Public service

In 1879 Baldwin was elected to the Lynn School Committee,^[4] and he was re-elected in 1882.^[4] Baldwin served on the School Committee for six years and was its chairman from 1881 to 1882.^[2][4]