John Baker (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Baker
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John Baker, c. 1869
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| Premier of South Australia | |
| In office 21 August 1857 – 1 September 1857 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Sir Richard MacDonnell |
| Preceded by | B.T. Finniss |
| Succeeded by | Robert Torrens |
| Member of the Legislative Council of South Australia |
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| In office 7 August 1863 – 18 May 1872 |
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| In office 8 July 1851 – 27 March 1861 |
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| Constituency | Mount Barker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 December 1813 Ilminster, Somerset, England |
| Died | 19 May 1872 (aged 58) Magill, South Australia |
| Spouse | Isabella Allan (1838–1872) |
| Children | 12 |
John Baker (born 28 December 1813 – died 19 May 1872) was an important figure in early South Australia. He was a pastoralist, meaning he owned large areas of land for raising sheep or cattle. He was also a politician. John Baker became the second Premier (leader) of the South Australian colony. He took over from Boyle Travers Finniss. However, he was Premier for only 12 days, from 21 August to 1 September 1857. After him, Robert Torrens became the third Premier.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
John Baker was born in Ilminster, England, on 28 December 1813. His parents were Richard Chaffey Baker and Mary Anstice. In 1838, he moved to Van Diemen's Land, which is now Tasmania. He married Isabella Allan on 7 June 1838.
Moving to South Australia
In 1838, Baker visited the new settlement of Adelaide. The next year, he moved there permanently and bought land in South Australia. He worked with the South Australian Company to bring many sheep from Tasmania. By late 1840, he owned horses, cattle, and four thousand sheep. He was also a director of the Adelaide Auction Co. and worked with Jacob Hagen on other business projects.
Starting a Racing Stud
John Baker was very interested in horses. He started a special farm called a "racing stud." This farm was for breeding racehorses. He brought the first thoroughbred mare (female horse) named Falklandina and the first thoroughbred stallion (male horse) named Actaeon to the colony. Later, in 1869, he bred a famous racehorse named Don Juan. This horse went on to win the 1873 Melbourne Cup, a very important horse race.
Public Service and Politics
John Baker was involved in many important roles in South Australia. In 1850, he became a justice of the peace and a special magistrate. These roles meant he helped keep law and order. He also became a director of the Savings Bank. He helped create the South Australian Chamber of Commerce and was its first chairman. This group helped businesses in the colony.
Developing Pastoral Interests
Over the next ten years, he grew his pastoral business even more. In 1863, he bought a large property called Terlinga. He made it his main station for his sheep and cattle. A very bad drought in 1864-65 caused him to lose many animals. But, his land rents were lowered, and he continued to be a leading pastoralist.
Political Career
Baker was a member of the South Australian Legislative Council from 1851 to 1856. This was the first time some members were chosen by voters. He represented the Mount Barker area.
When South Australia gained "responsible government" in 1857, he joined the new Legislative Council. He received the second-highest number of votes. He served in the Council until 1861, and then again from 1863 until he died in 1872.
Premier of South Australia
John Baker became the Premier and chief secretary in the second government of South Australia. Even though his time as Premier lasted only 12 days (from 21 August to 1 September 1857), it was important. His short time in office helped create an agreement between the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly about how money bills (laws about money) could be changed.
Other Public Roles
Baker helped choose the location for the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and later became a trustee. He was also president of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society three times. He was a member of the Royal Geographical Society in London.
In 1854, he helped start a group of volunteer mounted rifle soldiers. He became a lieutenant-colonel in this group. He served until the group was stopped in 1868.
He was also the treasurer for a time at Adelaide's Unitarian Christian Church. On 23 December 1856, he helped lay the first stone for the church building on Wakefield Street.
Family Life
John Baker (1813–1872) married Isabella Allan (1819–1908) on 7 June 1838. They had 12 children together. One of his notable children was Elizabeth Anstice Baker (1849–1914), who became a well-known intellectual and social activist.
The family had a home called "Morialta" near Norton Summit. This house was used as a summer home for Governor Sir William Jervois while his main residence, Marble Hill, was being built. John Baker died at "Morialta." Isabella, his wife, died in London.
