John Baker

John Baker was born into slavery in Lower Canada (Quebec) in the 1780s to Dorinda, a Black woman enslaved by Major James Gray. When the Gray family relocated to Cornwall, John, Dorinda, and his brother Simon were brought with them. Major Gray's son Robert inherited John and his family when Major Gray died, and in 1804 John and his family were manumitted after Robert's death. In freedom, John enlisted as a private in the New Brunswick Fencibles, the 104th Regiment of Foot, and served during the War of 1812, taking part in several actions. After the war, he went overseas and fought in the Battle of Waterloo. After discharging, he reunited with his family, married a woman named Hannah, and worked as a general labourer. John Baker died in 1871 and is buried at Trinity Anglican Church.

Ontario · Canada