Sir Henry Seymour Baker was born 1 Sep 1890 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England. His parents were Sidney James Baker a Congregational clergyman and Lydia Charlotte, nee Lee. His family emigrated to New Zealand and in 1907 moved to Launceston, Tasmania. In 1908 he began working for the Daily Post as a journalist working both in Hobart and Launceston. He studied law at the University of Tasmania and was articled with Simmons, Wolhagen, Simmons & Walch. ;;;;In Feb 1915 Henry enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and served in Egypt with the 4th Field Ambulance and on the Western Front. He trained in England and was posted to the 13th Battalion in Belgium in August 1917. In Sep 1918 near Le Verguier he was wounded but continued to locate and capture the enemy. For his bravery he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and mentioned in despatches.;;;;Henry returned to Australia in Feb 1919 and was admitted to the Tasmanian Bar in 1919. On 19 Mar 1920 he married Effie Millicent Sharp. In 1928 he was elected to the House of Assembly and appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Education. From 1936-1946 he was Leader of the Opposition. In May 1948 he became a member of the Legislative Council. He was president of the Legislative Council from 1959 until his death in 1968.