Alliston E. Barker, watchmaker and jeweler, McGregor, was born at Oriskany Falls, in Oneida Co., N.Y., June 1, 1852. His parents, Leter T. and Mary A. (Abbott) Barker, were married March 16, 1850. His father enlisted in Co. B, 24th N.Y. Cavalry as a private, and was promoted to Sergeant of the company, and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was wounded at the capture of Lee's train near Petersburg, Va., being shot in the hand by a minie ball, which went through his hand, tearing off his thumb. He and wife reside in McGregor. They had two children, viz: Libbie, who died April 6, 1871, aged eleven years, and Alliston E., the subject of this sketch, who attended school in New York until sixteen, when he went with his parents to Chillicothe, Mo., and worked three years and a half at the watchmaker and jeweler's trade with his uncle. He worked in Chicago one year, then came to McGregor, Iowa, and worked for R. Hubbard in a jewelry store four years, then opened his present store. He carries a full and complete stock of imported and domestic watches, clocks and jewelry, valued at $45,000. He also pays special attention to repairing. Mr. Barker married Miriam C. Ames, April 26, 1876. She was born in New York City, and is a daughter of A.W. Ames. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have two sons, viz.: Carl A., and Verne C. In politics Mr. Barker is a Republican, and is one of the enterprising and representative businessmen of McGregor. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.965-966 source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 965-66 |