Alonzo P. Baskin was born January 20, 1844. in Houston County, Georgia. He served four years in the Confederate Army and was considered a "faithful and zealous soldier." After moving to Anthony, Florida a few years after the war, Alonzo became interested in politics. He was recognized among his peers as a man of great character and respected by all who knew him. He was nominated on the legislative ticket and along with Hon.Francis D. Pooser, were the first democrats to represent Marion County. He served in the House of  Representatives both 1887 and 1889, respectively. He became enthusiastic in the populist movement and as such was the candidate for governor in 1892, but lost to Hon. H. L. Mitchell. He was a driving force in removing the county from carpetbag rule. His enthusiasm as a populist waned and he returned to the democratic party and in 1902 was nominated again for the legislature. He turned it down, preferring his life on the farm. Alonzo become a writer of  agricultural matters and political themes. He involved himself in the betterment of his community as well, serving on the Anthony School Board and as the President of the Marion County Good Roads Association. He built and owned several businesses over the years. Alonzo moved to Largo, Florida in 1906 after buying a bearing Orange Grove, but became ill with cancer and died on March 21, 1908 at the home of his son Dr. James G. Baskin in Dunnellon and is buried at the Anthony Cemetery.  For more information on Mr. Baskin's life, please see his Biography.