Barkley, Thomas

BARKLEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/26/2021 at 15:55:33

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.842

THOMAS BARKLEY
Thomas Barkley, a prosperous farmer living on section 2, Linn Township, is of Irish decent, his father, Robert Barkley, having been born in Ireland, whence he emigrated to the United States when he was but eighteen years of age. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio and took an active interest in the political affairs of the community, his support being given to the Democracy. He was called to various township and county offices, among them being that of auditor of Noble County for the years of 1851, 1852 and 1853. In 1856 he removed to Iowa, first settling in Linn Grove, but he later removed to the farm of four hundred acres which he had entered in 1854 in Linn Township, Warren County. He was the first supervisor of this township under the old organization. He built a residence on his land and lived there the remainder of his days, passing away at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, Priscilla (Atkinson) Barkley, was a native of Ohio. She survived her husband a number of years and died on the old homestead about one year ago, aged eighty-eight years. She was a member of the Christian Church. They were the parents of nine children, but two of whom are now living, namely, Mrs. Lockridge, of Idaho, and Thomas, of this review.
Thomas Barkley was born in Guernsey County, Ohio February 17, 1842. He was, therefore, but fourteen years of age when his father removed from Ohio to Iowa, since which time he has made his home continuously in this county. He has no occasion to feel other than most grateful to the country, for the soil has responded generously to the cultivation he has given it and he has gradually been able to increase his holdings until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of good land, with all the necessary improvements for the comfort of himself and family and he has an assured income from the products of his farm.
Mr. Barkley was married in 1868 to Miss Roxana Cale, who was born in Indiana January 1, 1849, the daughter of John H. and Amelia (Penry) Cale. They removed from Indiana to this county in 1855, since which time they have been residents of Linn Township. The mother is dead, but the father is still living and makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Barkley.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barkley have been born eight children, but four of whom are still living: Elmer L., a resident of Greenfield Township, married Cora Mahan and has one child, Lulu May. Charles H. married Effie Haynes and lives on his father’s farm. Alvin T., a resident of Linn Township, married Florence Patrick and has one son, John Thomas. Fred is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Barkley are members of the Christian Church at Norwalk and the community recognizes in them the type which goes to make up its substantial citizens and contributes largely to its moral and social welfare. Mr. Barkley gives his political allegiance to the Democracy, and is actively interested in the questions and issues of the day. At one time he served as township trustee.