Baker, Col. Henry

Baker, Col. Henry (c.1640–1689), governor of Londonderry, was a lieutenant in the Irish army after the restoration; details of his parents are not known. On being dismissed during the administration of the earl of Tyrconnell (qv), he returned to his farm outside Blackrock, Co. Louth. At the revolution he swore allegiance to William III (qv), was promoted to the rank of major, and took part in the abortive raid on Carrickfergus (21 February 1689), the disastrous action at Dromore (14 March), and the unsuccessful defence of the Bann (15 April). On 19 April 1689 he was elected colonel of a regiment, commander of all the forces in Londonderry, and joint governor of the city, positions that he held throughout the worst fighting of the siege. Greatly praised for his leadership, he fell ill with a fever and, weakened through exhaustion, died 30 June 1689 after appointing Col. John Michelburne (qv) as his successor. He was survived by his widow, Ann, his eldest son, John, and three other children, who were compensated with a forfeited estate by the crown.