Barker Family Arrived in Marion County in 1844
Portrait of Capt. W. H. J. Barker of Harvey aged 98 recounts Marion County pioneer life. Born of Ohio roots, he recalls the Barker move in 1844, homestead hardships, building a claim pen, early mills, and mail routes. He notes peace symbolism with a sycamore planted in his yard and historic river crossings before railroads.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion County
Barker
U. S
Iowa
Barkers
Oskaloosa
Street
Des Moines
David T. Durham
Speers’ Mill
Washington County
Towa
Missouri River
Council Bluffs
Capt. Barker
First Mills
Hollowell
Haymaker
Foster
Whitebreast
Hamilton
Rousseau
Francis A. Barker
Knoxville
Rail Fences on All Farms
Capt Barker recalls the early Iowa prairie era when rail fences enclosed land and ox teams broke two acres daily. He notes stubborn oxen, frequent claim jumping in the 1850s, and a violent incident over a father’s claim halted by a seal skin cap. The prairie was initially scorned as trees wouldn’t grow.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barker
Iowa
Grant Earp Returns to Old Way of Doing Business
Grant Earp resumes traditional methods in a locally notable move that affects community commerce and routines. The Des Moines Register notes the Sunday feature highlights Earp’s adherence to established practices valued by area residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sunday Des Moines Register
Grant Earp
Second Iowa settlement founded by officer under War Dept orders
An army officer established Iowa's second permanent settlement after being commanded by the War Department to divorce and separate from his wife, a move that set the town's origin story in motion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
War Department
Distinguished Visitor In 1938
Henry Ter Louw and old schoolmate Mr Earp meet at Bussey Iowa recalling a life of horse drawn routes, groceries and notions. Ulysses Grant Earp, 74, kept his wagon pace with farmers schedules since 1895, blaming autos for business decline while noting his shop shelves and drive to deliver goods on Saturdays. Farmwives say they can set their clocks by his arrival.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Ter Louw
Mr. Earp
Bussey
Oskaloosa
Iowa
Ulysses Grant Earp
Buckster
Earp
Jasper County
Galesburg
Old wagon and town trips define a rural trader
A farmer reflects on changing times from sewing family clothes to buying ready made goods. He notes he no longer carries much dry goods, prefers roaming the countryside to see friends, and plans to keep trading his way as long as possible despite being set in his old methods.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Francis Sadler
Sadler
Also Mentioned on This Page
Harvey
W. H. JH. Barker
Ohio
Barer
Burlington
Flint Hills
New London
Central College
Pella
Folke
Broadway
Central Park
Knoxville Journal
Charles H. Grahl
N. Gkraschel
Virginia van Gorp
West Park
Tulip Time
Rolet Trademark
Chevrolet
Aven
Lal Ea
Gee
Drauly Brakes
White Way Auto CO
Pella, Iowa
Main St
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!