Barker

Thomas W. Barker, born April 4, 1850, in Lexington, Kentucky, moved to Phelps post-Civil War, where he completed his education. After farming briefly, he co-founded the Van Vrankin Company in 1887, later managing the bank following Mr. Van Vrankin’s death. Barker worked as a bookkeeper at John H. Roys bank from 1904 to 1910. A Democrat, he held various Masonic affiliations and served as district deputy in the Knights of Pythias. He married Sarah Worden in 1872 and had two children.