JESSE BARKER.

JESSE BARKER, foreman in the office of the Humboldt Union, was born in Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, July 21, 1850. His father, Jesse B. Barker, a native of Indiana, was married to Amelia Scott, a native of Missouri, who had moved with her parents to Iowa in an early day. The elder Mr. Barker is still living in Montana at the advanced age of seventy-four years. Jesse Barker is the only living child of this union.

Mr. Barker had a common school education. At the tender age of ten years he began to learn the printer's trade. He worked two years and eight months in a printing office in his native city and then two years in Ottumwa, Iowa. His health failing he went to Hancock county, Illinois, and, learning the carpenter's trade, worked at it for several years. He spent a few years on a farm and, in 1883, came west, locating in Anderson county. He was soon installed as editor of the Anderson County Democrat and for two and a half years resided in and near Garnett. An offer of a good position on the Humboldt Union caused him to leave Garnett in 1886 and he came to Humboldt taking charge of the mechanical department of the paper. His long connection with the newspaper business has given him a thorough knowledge of the work and he has the confidence and esteem of his employer.

Originally a Democrat Mr. Barker found himself out of accord with his party in 1890 and he allied himself with the Republicans. He has since been an active member of that party.

Mr. Barker has never married, but "while there is life there is hope" is the old adage. He is a Mason and a member of the Order of Eastern Star and has filled offices in both lodges.

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