Arthur John Baker, J.P.,
IS a native of Devonshire, and received his education in that county. At seventeen years of age he entered the E. I. Company's service as a midshipman, and sailed from London for Calcutta in 1833. After encountering a number of vicissitudes, and remarkable escapes from fire and ship"wreck, he settled in Upper Canada, where for some time he led the life of a genuine backwoodsman. He returned to England in 1837, and married in 1838. In October of that year he returned with his wife to Seymour, U.C., where he engaged in farming. In conjunction with two others he built the "Precursor," the first steamer that navigated the lakes from Toronto to Montreal, via the St. Lawrence River over the rapids. He purchased land on the Rice Lake, U.C., in partnership with another person, laid out a township, and built steam saw mills. The venture was successful, but Mr. Baker being prostrated by fever and ague was compelled to sell out, and left penniless. On his recovery he went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and thence to St. Johns, N.B., where Tie was engaged in various callings, the most important of which was as manager of some extensive saw mills on the Musquash River. These mills and a large general store were managed and worked to great advantage for the London owners from 1847 to 1860. He returned to England in 1851, and sailed in that year as supercargo for Sydney, N. S. Wales, in the ship "Harriet" Left Sydney with his wife and family in the "Asa Packer" for Adelaide, and reached that port July 11, 1853. Shortly after arrival he was engaged as storeman to Messrs. Dacomb & Co., but was soon after appointed their traveller in the country districts. It is asserted that Mr. Baker was the first traveller in the soft goods line sent out in South Australia. On August 1, 1854, he was appointed clerk in H.M. Customs, Port Adelaide, and held that office until February 1, 1856, when
