Thomas W., son of John (2) Barker, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, April 4, 1850, and was educated there in the public schools. At the age of sixteen, after the civil war, he came with his parents to Phelps, graduated from the high school in that town and completed his education in a commercial college in Canada and at Wesleyan College at Bloomington, Illinois. He returned to Phelps and followed farming for two years. In 1887 he was one of a company that organized the Van Vrankin Company, which conducted a banking business at Clifton Springs, New York. After the death of Mr. Van Vrankin, Mr. Barker managed the bank for two years and then closed up its affairs. In 1904 he accepted a position as bookkeeper in John H. Roy’s bank at Phelps, and continued until 1910, when he resigned.
He is a member of Newark Lodge, Free Masons; of Eagle Chapter, No. 79, Royal Arch Masons of Palmyra; of Zenobia Commandery, No. 41, Knights Templar; of Damascus Temple, Mystic Shrine, and of the Knights of Pythias, of which he was district deputy for several terms. In politics he is a Democrat. He married, in 1872. Sarah Worden, daughter of Luther and Sarah Worden. Children : Jesse W. and Ida M.