Henry Rodman Barker

Henry Rodman Barker (September 15, 1841 – March 17, 1901)[1][A] was 15th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island 1889-1891.

Henry Rodman Barker
15th Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island
In office
January 1889 – January 1891
Preceded byGilbert F. Robbins
Succeeded byCharles Sydney Smith
Personal details
Born
Henry Augustus Rodman Barker

(1841-09-15)September 15, 1841
Providence, Rhode Island
DiedMarch 17, 1901(1901-03-17) (aged 59) [A]
Providence, Rhode Island
Resting placeSwan Point Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
SpouseAnnie C. Tripp
Parent(s)William Cornell Barker and Sarah A. Jencks
OccupationBanker and politician
Signature
Military service
AllegianceUnited States United States
Union
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Union Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit10th Rhode Island Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Personal life

Henry Rodman Barker was born "Henry Augustus Rodman Barker" in Providence, Rhode Island on September 15, 1841, to William Cornell Barker and Sarah A. Jencks.[2]

He attended public schools in Providence and graduated from high school in 1859.[2] A year later, he went to work for the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company.[2] When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as sergeant of Company I, Tenth Rhode Island Regiment for one term of service, then returned to the insurance company.[2][3] From that time on, he was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.[2]

Barker was associated with several banks, including Samuel P. Colt's Industrial Trust Company, the Rhode Island Investment Company, the Rhode Island Electric Protective Company, the Old Colony Cooperative Bank,[2] the Roger Williams Savings Fund and Loan Association, and the Boston Investment Company.[3]

Barker joined the Masons in 1862, and belonged to Grace Episcopal Church.[2]

Barker married Annie C. Tripp, daughter of Stephen A. and Jane Ames Tripp, of New Bedford in October 1864.[3] They had two children.[2]

Barker died suddenly on March 17, 1901,[A] at his home in Providence while getting ready for church.[1] The cause was apparently heart failure.[1] He was buried at Swan Point Cemetery.[2]

City council

Barker served seven years on the city council, serving from 1873 to 1880.[2][3]

As a city councilman, Barker was a strong supporter of Mayor Doyle's introduction of modern infrastructure systems, needed as Providence grew into a modern city.[2] These improvements included waterworks and a sewage system, modern schools, and improvements in municipal services.[2]

Mayor

As mayor, Barker called for city funding of the public library, which previously had been privately funded.[3] He improved the sewage system and improved the railroad terminal.[3]

Notes
a.^ Some sources give an incorrect year for Barker's death. His obituary was published in the Providence Daily Journal on 18 March 1901, confirming the 17 March 1901 date, which is consistent with his tombstone.

References
  1. "Sudden Death of Ex-Mayor Henry R. Barker". Vol. LXXIII, no. 66. The Providence Daily Journal. 18 March 1901. p. 1.
  2. Cutter, William Richard (1915). New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial. Vol. IV. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company. pp. 2173–2176.
  3. Bayles, Richard Mather (1891). History of Providence County, Rhode Island. Providence, Rhode Island: W. W. Preston. pp. 689–692.
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