Peter N. Barker

BARKER, GARRETT, KIVETT, MCGUIRE

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/11/2005 at 16:24:00

Peter N. Barker is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising in Grand River township, of which he is a native, born October 10, 1868, of the marriage of Orlando W. and Lucy (Kivett) Barker. The father was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on the 25th of July, 1827, and the mother in Indiana on the 30th of March, 1831. Their marriage occurred in 1849. Both passed away in Grand River township, this county, the father dying on the 25th of May, 1907, and the mother on the 2nd of May, 1905. Orlando W. Barker accompanied his parents to Indiana in 1830 and resided there until 1853, when he removed westward and settled in Grand River township, this county. His father, Samuel Barker, built the first log cabin in the township. For some time Orlando W. Barker freighted from Des Moines to Eddyville and he often drove stock a long distance to market. He took up government land and became the owner of two hundred and forty acres, from which he derived a gratifying income. He specialized in the feeding of cattle and was one of the extensive stockmen of his township. He was prevented by physical disability from serving in the Civil war but there was never any question of his courage or his patriotism. He took an active part in the work of developing his locality and served as a member of the first board of supervisors which opened the first road in his township.

When the Baptist church in Macksburg was built he contributed generously of his time and money to its erection and served for six years as a deacon in the church. He was known throughout the county as an honest and upright man and had many sincere friends.

Peter N. Barker attended the district schools and the high school of Macksburg and continued to reside upon the home farm until his marriage. He has prospered as an agriculturist and owns two hundred acres of excellent land, which is in a high state of cultivation. He has farmed in Grand River township during his entire life and is one of the most successful breeders of full blooded Duroc Jersey hogs in that township, raising hogs for commercial purposes only and deriving a substantial income from the sale of his stock.

On the 4th of July, 1897, Mr. Barker married Miss Flora Garrett, a daughter of Charles R. and Katherine (McGuire) Garrett, the former born in Galena, Illinois, on the 5th of November, 1842, and the latter in Indiana on the 30th of January, 1848. Mr. Garrett became a resident of Clarke county, Iowa, in 1856 and July 26, 1862, enlisted in the Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry but was discharged January 30, 1863, because of disability. On the 27th of August, 1863, however, he reenlisted, becoming a member of Company H, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until discharged February 3, 1866. He was detailed as guard to watch cotton fields in the south but also participated in considerable fighting. Upon his return to Clarke county he farmed land which he owned until 1893, when he removed to Macksburg and conducted a mill. He was living here at the time of his death, which occurred on the 15th of January, 1914, and his widow still makes her home here. He was a republican in politics.

The Grand Army of the Republic found in him a loyal and consistent member and he was justly proud of his military record. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have a daughter, Nina Opal, who was born on the 26th of December, 1900, and they are rearing and educating a boy.

Mr. Barker is independent in politics and takes an active part in public affairs, although without political aspirations. Both he and his wife belong to the Baptist church and he is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has held all of the offices, and with the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he has been trustee for several years. He is up-to-date and progressive in his work as a farmer and stock-raiser and the success which is rewarding his efforts is richly deserved. As a citizen he has always placed the public welfare above his individual interests and he is highly respected in his community.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.