Steven J. Barker was born in Ripley County, Mo., October 14, 1842. He was the son of Elias and Mary Barker. At the close of the Civil War, in which he served three years, he was mustered out of service in St. Louis, June 12, 1865, and came to Washington County, where he was married on March 11, 1866 to Diana Elizabeth House. Since that time he had lived continuously either in or near Bonne Terre.
Nine children were born to this union. They are as follows, Nora, deceased; Leonard of Detroit; Mrs. I. Scott Jones; Joseph, deceased; Elias, of Warren, Arizona; Laura, deceased; James Enlow of Farmington; Thomas, deceased; and Stella, who is a teacher in the Bonne Terre public schools. Besides his wife and the five living children, he leaves twenty-two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Barker was a charter member of the Germany or Providence church, which was organized fifty-seven years ago. He and his wife continued to be faithful members of this church throughout the years following the organization of the church to the present time. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
For many years he had been unable to engage in active work on account of ill health, but bore his sufferings with Christian patience and fortitude, and passed quietly to rest at his home Thursday morning, April 30th.
The funeral services were conducted at the home on Friday afternoon at two o'clock by Rev. J. B. Ragsdale, pastor of the Baptist church here. His body was laid to rest in the Bonne Terre cemetery. We extend heartfelt sympathy to those who are left to mourn the passing of the one whom they loved so well, and will so sadly miss. The body was borne to its last earthly resting place by members of the American Legion and the floral offerings were many and beautiful.