BARKER, Thomas R. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Thomas R. Barker died at his home in Jackson Township in Newton County on the 13th inst., aged 85 years 2 months 9 days.  He was one of the best known men in the county and was universally respected by all.  He was born in England in 1813 and came to America in 1831 locating in White County, Indiana where he remained for one year and then removed to Fountain County where he engaged in butchering. Soon become tired of this trade he went to New Orleans and then to Texas.  From Texas he traveled over several western states and in 1840 located in Newton County.  The following year he went back to Fountain County where he married Miss Mary Meyers a very estimable young lady of that County.  In 1842 he returned to Newton Co and settled on  a farm in Jackson Township where he resided up to his death.  His wife died in 1866.  Mr. Barker was a Democrat and prominent in the councils of his party until old age compelled him to relinquish his leadership to younger hands.  He has been Trustee of his township and County Commissioner of Newtown County to which office he was elected in 1847. ~~~transcribed by kbz