velopment of the county, which had been transformed from a largely uninhabited district into one of the populous and prosperous sections of the state. His labors were, an element in its substantial growth, and no man rejoiced more heartily in what was accomplished along the lines of improvement and upbuilding. He possessed a genial nature that attracted warm friendship and, while to him was allotted a long life of about eighty-four years, it was with deep regret that his fellow townsmen learned that he had been called to his final home. Mrs. Robison still resides in Nevada and is one of the oldest among the pioneer women of this part of the state.
JESSE Barker.
The name of Barker is well known in Story county and is recognized as a synonym for integrity of character and also for success in business affairs. Jesse Barker, the founder of the family in this county, is now more than four score years of age and for forty-five years has been identified with the agricultural interests of Iowa. He was born at Windham, Greene county, New York, October 12, 1828, a son of Ezra and Mary (Conley) Barker. The parents were New Englanders, locating in Greene county after their marriage. Subsequently they lived in various places in the Empire state, the father passing away in Steuben county, New York. The mother came to Iowa with her son Azel, who located in Kossuth county, where she continued until her death.
Jesse Barker was reared in New York state and as he grew to manhood was given the advantages of a common-school education. He engaged in farming in Steuben county until May, 1866, when he sold his farm, being attracted westward on account of superior advantages offered in the Mississippi valley. He came to Story county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in Union township, to which he later added eighty acres. He lived with his family for a time in a rude board house, later erecting a comfortable residence which is now the family home. By close application to a business, for which he was well adapted by natural ability and training, he became one of the prosperous farmers of the township, cultivating his land so as to produce highly gratifying results. He engaged in general farming but during recent years has lived retired, having sold all but one hundred acres of his place.
On the 20th of January, 1850, in Steuben county, New York, Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Mary Brown, a daughter of Abijah and Polly (McClary) Brown, natives of New York, but at an early day the father brought his family to Iowa. Of the nine children born to our subject only three are now living, namely: Charley (or C. D.) ; Eugene ; and Delphine, the wife of W. C. Bennett, of Greene county, Iowa. The son Eugene is a well known farmer of Union township. He married