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         JOHN BARKER, residing on section 17, Concord Township, was born in Ban, Germany, March 11, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Bobler) Barker. His parents died when he was a small child, and his education was received in his native land. He there worked for a number of years as a farm laborer, but in March, 1851, set sail from Bremen for America. After a rough voyage of forty-seven days he landed at Baltimore, but after two days spent in that city went to Pittsburgh, near where he was employed as a farm hand for three years.

In Jefferson County, Pa., in July, 1852, John Barker wedded Miss Maggie Sandler, who was born in Germany, and is a daughter of Adam and Margaret Sandler, who were also natives of Germany. After their marriage they young couple remained in Pennsylvania for two years, and thence moved . . .

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. . . to Ohio, residing there until 1854, when in March of that year they came to Louisa County, Iowa, settling on section 17, Concord Township. Here Mr. Barker purchased nearly 200 acres of timber land, which was entirely unimproved, and as it contained no house, he immediately began the erection of a cabin. The improvement of the land was immediately begun, and he has added to his original purchase from time to time, until he is now the owner of 610 acres, comprising one of the best farms in the township. The land is in a fine state of cultivation, has two good farm residences, is well watered, and is stocked with a good grade of Durham cattle and Norman horses. Mr. Barker also raises a great many hogs of the Chester-White and Berkshire breeds, in which he is quite successful.

To our subject and his estimable wife have been born three children, only one of whom is now living: Margaret, now Mrs. Ronald, resides on the home farm; John died at the age of six months, and one child died in infancy. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fredonia, in which he has held the office of Trustee for ten or fifteen years, and are earnest workers in its behalf. Mr. Barker is one of the self-made men of Louisa County. On landing in this country he was $15 in debt, but with characteristic energy and perseverance he set to work to make for himself a home, and success has crowned his efforts. Assisted by his estimable wife he worked on until he now has a comfortable competency, and his honesty and fair dealing have won him the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.