| Administrative History | William Barker, who was born on 31 January, 1738, was the youngest son of Thomas Barker (1709-1754), of The Hall, Bakewell, Steward of the Duke of Rutland. He emigrated to Florida, where he purchased an estate, but in 1760 he left and settled in Syrma where he remained until his death, which took place on 25 July 1825. He married, firstly in 1763, Flora Robin (1739-1775) and, secondly in 1776, Maria Elizabeth Schonell of Smyrna (b.1760), and had 25 children. One of his sons, John (1771-1849), was Consul-General in Egypt from 1829-1833 and a well-known horticulturist.
Captain Charles Barker, R.N. was the 4th son of Thomas Barker (1767-1816) of Ashford Hall, Bakewell, and a great-grandson of Thomas Barker (1709-1816) of Ashford Hall, Bakewell, and a great-grandson of Thomas Barker (1709-1754) mentioned above. He was born in February 1811 and entered the Royal Navy in 1826, being commissioned as Lieutenant on 28 June 1838. He saw service in American waters, the West Indies, the Mediterranean, the South-East coast of America, the East Indies and the Pacific. He was promoted Commander in 1845 and Captain in 1850. His last command was H.M.S. Retribution, a paddle wheel steam frigate of 56 guns. He died, unmarried, at Bakewell in May 1860.
Colonel John Morris (1617-1649), a professional soldier, served in Ireland where he distinguished himself, but in 1644 he joined the Parliamentary army. Being piqued, however, by his non-employment on the formation of the New Model, he determined to avenge himself, which he did eventually in 1648 by the capture, through a ruse, of Pontefract Castle from the Parliamentary garrison. But, being besieged by General Lambert, he was obliged to retreat with him. With a companion he escaped into Lancashire, but was betrayed and made prisoner being condemned to death and executed on 23 August, 1649. Thomas Barker (1709-1754) married in 1729 a descendant of Colonel Morris. |