Joseph Barker (mayor)
Joe Barker | |
|---|---|
| 17th Mayor of Pittsburgh | |
| In office January 7, 1850 – January, 1851 | |
| Preceded by | John Herron |
| Succeeded by | John B. Guthrie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | ca. 1806 Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 2, 1862 (age 55/56) Manchester, Pennsylvania |
| Spouse | Jane Holmes |
Joseph "Joe" Barker (ca. 1806– August 2, 1862) [1] was an American public and political figure of the 1800s remembered to this day for his rash, uncompromising temper, and violent tirades against corruption, often drawing large crowds and paving way for his term in office as the 17th mayor of Pittsburgh.
Early Years
The origins of Joe Barker are shrouded in mystery: nothing is known of his early years, background, or even his date of birth, as evident by its absence on his epitaph.[1]
Appearance
Barker's appearance, in contrast to what was common of the era, was described as always cleanly shaven and well-dressed in nearly all black attire. It was said of him never to be seen without a neckcloth, black stovepipe hat, and long black cape.
1850 Census
Important, although sparse, details are provided, however, in the information collected by the Census of 1850. Barker is listed therein as 44 years old and living in Pittsburgh's Fifth Ward with his Irish-born wife Jane Holmes and three children, Augustus, Eliza, and David. His birthplace is described as being in "Pennsylvania", and his occupation is given as "Mayor". Contrary to propaganda spread by his enemies, and even incorrectly referenced in articles to this day, Barker was far from illiterate, as clearly indicated on the 1850 census; he was instead described as having a silver tongue.[2] As a perhaps sardonic nod to his opposition, Barker chose to leave the "sane" category on the census unchecked.[3]
Arrest, Imprisonment, and Election
Joe Barker gained vast public attention and notoriety as a street preacher of the violent class, vehemently attacking political corruption. In September 1849, following one of his tirades, Pittsburgh mayor John Herron had him arrested for "obstructing traffic" and "using lewd and indecent language". Although the charges resulted in a fine and a 12-month jail term, the next mayoral election was fast approaching, and Barker's nativist supporters circulated a write-in petition during his imprisonment which resulted in his election as mayor to succeed Herron. Accounts of Barker's one-year 1850–51 term describe it as a period of religious and nativist strife.
Death
Barker lived for eleven years after leaving the mayoralty and despite a number of additional attempts, never again held public office. He was in his mid-fifties at the time of his decapitation in a train accident in the neighboring town of Manchester (a part of Pittsburgh since 1908). Interment was in Allegheny Cemetery.
References
- ^ a b "Epitaph". August 2, 1862. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ "Historic Pittsburgh - Census 1850". digital.library.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
- ^ "Historic Pittsburgh - Census 1850". digital.library.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
