A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Barker, Robert
BARKER. (Lieut., 1809. f-p., 14; h-p., 32.)
Robert Barker was born 20 June, 1788.
This officer entered the Navy, 1 Aug. 1801, as L.M., on board the Dreadnought 98, Capt. Jas. Vashon, employed off Cadiz and in the Mediterranean. From Feb. 1803 (previously to which period he had further served for a few months in the Dryad 36, Capt. Robt. Williams), until Jan. 1810, he appears to have been employed, chiefly in the East Indies, as Midshipman, Master’s Mate, and Lieutenant (commission dated 17 Oct. 1809), on board the Russel 74, Capts. R. Williams, Wm. Warden, and Thos. Gordon Caulfeild, flag-ship for some time of Vice-Admiral Wm. O’Brien Drury. He then joined the Piedmontaise 38, Capts. Chas. Foote, Chas. Rayley, and Henry Folkes Edgell; and while in that frigate assisted at the reduction, in Aug. 1810, of the Dutch Spice Islands. His next appointments were – 23 Dec. 1812, to the Despatch 18, Capt. Jas. Galloway, of which sloop, stationed off the coast of North America, he held for nearly two months the acting-command – and, 11 April, 1815, to the Superb 74, flag-ship of Hon, Sir Henry Hotham on the coast of France, where he cooperated with the Royalists in La Vendée, and was present at the surrender of Buonaparte. He has since been unemployed.
Lieut. Barker married, 14 March, 1821, Martha, daughter of Chas. Hamilton, Esq., by whom he has issue six children. Agents – Messrs. Chard. of( He married, 9 Sept. 1826, Judith Maria, daughter Chas. Palmer, Esq., of Coleshill.