John Baird

John Baird (1795–1858) was born and educated in Graffa, Ireland. He was a son of William Baird and Susan Teel. He was recruited there by the British Army as a teacher. Early life He got education at Graffa and later in the town of Monaghan. Then he entered the Seminary for School Masters in County Kildare. Career In 1817 the 74th Foot was stationed in the County and their commander, Colonel Sir Robert Trench, visited the seminary in search for the student teachers to join his regiment, which sailed for British North America. Baird agreed and was supposed to serve for seven years as a teacher. He got the pay and rank of a sergeant, and after expiring of his term he would get a crown land.