John T Barker

BARKER, MCCLURE, DENNING

Posted By: Deb Barker (email)
Date: 3/9/2003 at 22:20:38

Barker, John T, was born near Mt. Zion, Iowa, Oct. 20, 1842, and died at his home in Union township, Davis county, Iowa, Oct. 14, 1906. His boyhood days were spent in the community where he was born. Aug. 6th, 1862, he responded to the call of his country for volunteers and enlisted in the 19th Iowa Infantry. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which the soldiers of this regiment so well remember. He, with a great many others of his regiment, were taken prisoners at Sterling Farm, La., and were taken to Tyler, Texas, September 29th, 1863. There they endured the hardships of prison life until they were exchanged, July 22nd, 1864. He was also at the siege of Vicksburg, and also participated in the taking of Spanish Fort, near Mobile, and was honorably discharged July 10th, 1865. Jan. 30th, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Denning. To them were born six sons and two daughters, the oldest daughter dying in infancy. The rest were permitted to be at their father's deathbed and funeral. He united with the Presbyterian Church about the time he was married and ever after lived a Christian life. He had been greatly afflicted for the past twenty-five years with epilepsy, but bore his suffering patiently, of late often remarking to his friends that he would rather depart and be with Christ, which is far better. The funeral was held at Chequest church, and burial in Rouch cemetery, Rev. McClure of Troy.