Norman Baker (in collaboration with other family members) has put an enormous amount of time, money and energy into researching this family. While I had compiled my direct line, all of the background and most of the collateral branches of the family are entirely due to his work. Anyone wishing to research this family in depth is referred to his excellent reference works "John Baker - Pioneer Gardener" Vols I & II - ISBN 0 9593745 2 3 and ISBN 0 9593745 3 1 respectively. If you would like to purchase copies contact Norman Baker, PO Box 137 Sylvania 2224, NSW Australia. Volume I is a detailed Family History, while the companion Volume II is the Register - an excellent and comprehensive genealogy with photographs. They are a fine example of how a family history should be published, and well worth the AU$ 30 asking price.

John was a pioneer nursuryman. Born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1796, he learned the skills and knowledge of horticulture while working as a gardener on estates in Essex including those of the Earl of Essex, R. Haldane Esq., and W. King Esq. On 12 April 1820 he married Diana (Ann) , daughter of linen weaver William Smith and Ann Ladyman of Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire.

After responding to the advertisement of the Australian Agricultural Company (incorporated in 1824) John was indentured for 7 years at 30 pounds per year. With his wife Diana and their two small sons, John and William, he made the great voyage on the company's barque "Frederick" to Port Stephens, arriving in November 1827. Their first home was in the company village at Carrington, North Arm. Here they and their fellow employees found conditions harsh and management chaotic. As company gardener John worked the gardens of the Commissioner's residence "Tahlee" nearby.

John's indenture was cancelled by mutual agreement by the Commissioner, Sir Edward Parry, in May 1830. This severance was the outcome of a strike when the wives of the indentured servants refused rostered hospital laundry duties.

John gladly left the regmented life and with a clear plan in mind became settled on Dempsey Island in the Hunter River estuary about 4 miles upstream from Newcastle, NSW. Here he established a garden of 10 acres propagating vines and fruit trees which he sold with other produce at the Newcastle markets in the years 1830 - 1857.

John progressively enlarged his first purchase of 10 acres in 1837 and later with his sons purchased house blocks in Tyrell and Newcomen Streets, Newcastle.

Movement of the family to the Clarence River commenced in 1857 when John and his son Henry Australia bought farms on Alumy Creek, Grafton, and the first four of many town lots in Grafton. Collectively, he and his 6 children and their spouses acquired over 30 town lots in the new municipality.

While his sons set to work to clear the farms of the tropical rain forest, John established Mount Pleasant Nursery in Alice Street using several adjoining lots. By May 1860 he was proudly advertising in the "Clarence and Richmond Examiner" "a great quantity of choice fruit trees" for cash on delivery.

After the death of Diana (Ann) in 1866 John joined his son William who had acquired most of Romiaka Island near Yamba. Here there was plenty for the veteran gardener to do with farm crops and house gardens until his death on 31 July, 1874. John was buried in the Old Methodist Section of the Maclean Cemetery.

Source: "John & Diana Baker, The Founding of an Australian Family" by Norman Baker & Connie Baker McPherson

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