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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of William Franklin BARKER 

Pages 416-417, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: BARKER, BOYER, BRAND, HARRIS] 

    
WILLIAM FRANKLIN BARKER. The subject of this notice is a native of Farmers Township, has grown to man's estate on the farm which he now owns, and has never been away from home an entire week at a time. He is a son of one of the earliest pioneers of the township, and grandson of a man who came to Peoria with his family when but three white families were living there. He is therefore well posted regarding the history of this section of country, its wonderful development, and proud of his connection with those who have aided in making it so flourishing a locality. 
    
John Barker, the grandfather of our subject, ran the first ferry between Peoria and Wesley City. After working there a year or so, he took up his abode on Totten's Prairie, whence he and his son John W. came to this county to select land in the fall of 1825. The first night out from home they slept in a deserted wigwam. Having found a tract to please them they broke some land and in the spring planted some corn which was destroyed by wild hogs which were very numerous. This land was on section 7, and eighty acres of it was given to the son when he became of age. He also entered and bought several hundred more at various times. On one occasion he purchased forty acres at a sale for $5 when returning home in company with several companions, remarked that anyone who would give him a dollar for his bargain might have the land. His brother George took up the offer and after keeping the property several years sold it for some hundreds of dollars. 
    
This John W. Barker lived to be about seventy years of age, dying January 8, 1888. He had been married three times and was the father of ten children, eight of whom now survive. His first wife was Rachel Harris who bore him two children. His second wife, the mother of our subject, was Eliza, daughter of George and Eliza S. Brand, who were among the early settlers of this county whither they came from Virginia. Of the eight children born to this good woman he of whom we write was the next to the youngest. His mother was called from time to eternity in 1877. 
    
Out subject is now in possession of the old homestead, having bought out the other heirs. His cherished companion was known in her maidenhood as Lucy A. Boyer, being the daughter of Wilford Boyer of McDonough County. Their happy union has been blest to them by the birth of one child--John Wilford. 
    
The Barker family has long been identified with the Democratic party. Grandfather Barker held the office of County Judge or Commissioner and our subject was elected Township Collector, when but twenty-two years old, being the youngest man who has ever held that office here. An intelligent farmer, a worthy citizen, and a kind neighbor, Mr. Barker receives his due measure of respect from his fellow-men.