Barker, Isaac 1847-1929

BARKER, CHAMPENY

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2011 at 17:42:45

Akron Register-Tribune
January 2, 1930

EARLY SETTLER IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY DIES SUDDENLY
Isaac Barker, of Preston Township, Dies Following Paralytic Stroke

Isaac Barker, a highly respected pioneer resident of western Plymouth County
and an extensive land owner in Preston township, died Saturday morning,
December 21, 1929, following a paralytic stroke which he suffered the
Tuesday prior to his death. Mr. Barker had been a sufferer from rheumatism
for many years and had scarcely been away from his house for the past ten
years, although his condition was in now way regarded as critical until he
was stricken with paralysis.

Isaac Barker was one of a family of twenty children. He was born in Barton
on Humber, England, March 21, 1847, and died December 21, 1929, at the
advanced age of 82 years and 9 months. He came to America when 23 years of
age and settled in Clinton county, Iowa. Forty-four years ago he came to
Plymouth County and started farming one of the places which he still owned
at the time of his death. He was united in marriage with Anne Champeny at
LeMars, June 13, 1888, and she has been his constant companion during the
more than forty years which have elapsed since then. Besides his widow, he
is survived by six children, William, Harry, Walter, Charles, Bessie and
George. William, the eldest son, is married and lives on a neighboring farm,
while all the other children are at home. He also leaves one grandson,
Norman Barker, and one brother and one sister in England.

Mr. Barker was one of the best known and most highly successful farmers in
this territory. He farmed on an extensive scale and prospered accordingly.
He early recognized the unequaled value of good farm land in this territory
and at his death was the owner of 1,100 acres of Plymouth and Sioux County
land, besides nearly 2,000 acres of farm land in South Dakota.

One of his outstanding traits of character was loyalty to his friends and
his every good sportsmanship. He was able to take reverses in the same
cheerful spirit which characterized him in success. In his death many
residents of the community have lost a true and tried friend and his family
a kind and benevolent husband and father.

Funeral services were held at the family home at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon
and at the Crathorne Presbyterian Church at 2:30, conducted by the pastor,
Rev. W.E. Smith. The funeral was one of the most largely attended ever held
in that section, and this, with the profusion of floral offerings, attested
to the high esteem in which Mr. Barker was held by his friends and neighbors
of many years standing.