An American Civil War Veteran in the Northern Territory
Details:
Title
An American Civil War Veteran in the Northern Territory,
Collection
Territory Times Gone By,
StoryNT,
Date
2016-09-22,
Location
Pine Creek,
Description
Frederick Charles Baker (aka Fridrick Backar, Fredrick Backar, and Fridrich Backar/Backer) was born in Prussia Germany in 1849. After migrating to the United States, Baker enlisted in the 2nd Louisiana Infantry (the Louisiana Zouaves) -- and was mustered into Company H (the Atchafalya Guards) from 31 December 1862 to 28 February 1863. He spent most of his time detailed to the Confederate States Shoe Department in Richmond (Va). After his discharge, Baker migrated to Australia. It was while prospecting for tin, silver and gold on the Umbrawarra tin field in the Northern Territory, about 90 kilometres north of Katherine, that Baker contracted yellow fever. He continued to work until it was too late, being found unconscious near his hut on the morning of 26 June 1909. He was admitted to the local hospital but never recovered, dying at 11.25am on Wednesday 28 July 1909. He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Pine Creek Cemetery. (Information supplied by James Gray, Commander, SCAV Camp 2160, 21 September 2016),