Barker, Samuel J.

BARKER, MORGAN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/11/2009 at 09:07:44

Samuel J. Barker, one of the most successful hotel men of Colfax, was born in New York January 22, 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Rhol1a (Pratt) Barker. His parents came to Iowa in 1864, and here the father, who was a merchant by occupation, carried on an extensive mercantile establishment and also engaged as a dealer in real estate. His death occurred in 1866, and his wife passed away in 1869. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are living: Lucretia Emeline, Cerantha, M. V., W. V., S. J., Miranda and Eunice Louisa.

In the schools of New York and Iowa, Samuel J. Barker received his education, and was graduated from the Commercial College. For several years he was engaged in the mercantile business, but as this was distasteful to him, in 1881 he retired from that occupation and accepted the position of manager of the Hotel Grand, where he built up an enviable position as a hotel man. For nine years he was thus engaged, and as "mine host" was well and favorably known by the traveling public. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Emerett Morgan, a native of New York, and a daughter of John and Mary A. Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. Barker are the parents of two children, Sherman and Alfred, both of whom are living.

Politically our subject is a Democrat and a most ardent advocate of the principles of his chosen party. He is not solicitous for official position, preferring the quietude of domestic life unharassed by public duties. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 593.