BARKER, Joseph Thomas - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Joseph Thomas Barker, son of Bryant and Anna Sowers Barker, was born in Sugar Creek Twp, Parke County, Indiana April 25, 1858 and departed this life at Lake View Hospital, Danville, Illinois September 28, 1933, age 75 years, 5 months and 3 days. He was the eldest of a family of 7 children. His father, mother, two sisters, Mrs. Alice Wagoner and Mrs. Amanda Morgan and one brother Austin have preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Elzada Gooding January 23, 1878. To this union were born four sons, Eston of Los Angeles, Cal; Charles of Wingate; Cleve of Crawfordsville and Austin of Wingate all of whom survive. On July 30, 1891 the wife and mother was taken away. On Nov. 20, 1883, he was united in marriage to Rose Belle Jones of Rantoul, Kansas. To this union was born one son, Lloyd H., with whom he resided on a farm, northwest of Kingman until his death. Again the wife and mother preceded him, she passing away April 28, 1910. He also leaves one brother, John of near Cates and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Starkey of Cates and Mrs. Henry Lawson of Wolcott, a stepdaughter, Mrs. Russell Daughtery of Terre Haute, two granddaughters, four grandsons, one great grandson and several nieces and nephews. He was united with Wolfe Creek Church May 24, 1925. Most of his life was lived in the Kingman Area. Burial in Centennial Cemetery.

Joseph Barker, 75, father of Principal Lloyd Barker of the Kingman schools died at the Lake View Hospital at Danville, Thursday after having been found seriously ill at the son's home, Wednesday night from the effects of having taken some powdered lye. How he came to take the poison is not known, as he had never intimated such an act and there is no reason for him having done it with suicidal intent. The son, Lloyd had been attending a freshman party at the school building and Mr. Barker was at home alone, the former's wife was visiting in Frankfort at the time. He had made his home with his son and wife for the past 25 years. After having been given medical attention by Dr. Ratcliff, he was removed to the Danville hospital, where he died a short time later.  Mr. Barker was highly respected and had lived almost his entire life time in the Kingman vicinity. He was twice married but was preceded in death by both wives. Surviving are 4 sons: Lloyd at Kingman, Austin, Charles, Walter, together with two sisters, Mrs. Henry Lawson of, Mrs. Joseph Starkey and one brother, John Barker.  Funeral services were held Sat aft at the Centennial Church with Rev. McGaughey in charge. Burial was made in the Centennial Cemetery.

Joe died 28 Sept 1933