Earl Ames Barker, born in Iowa on Jan 27, 1879.
Mr. Barker came to Bemidji in August 1900 and engaged in the jewelry and watch making business. Being an expert jewelry man and watch-repairer, Mr. Barker at once became popular in his trade.
Earl A. Barker and Miss Mina E. Ross were married in July 1901.
At the M. E. church, by Rev. Swinnerton, at 8:30 last Tuesday evening, occurred one of the prettiest weddings that ever took place in Bemidji. Each of the contracting parties are well known and popular, and the consummation of the happy event has long been looked forward to by a number of their most intimate friends who were cognizant that an engagement really existed between them, but as the announcement cards were not issued until a few days ago their friends were scarcely prepared for the ceremony to take place quite so soon.
Mr. Barker came to the city about one year ago in the capacity of a jeweler in the employ of Misses Jones & Ross, and so well did he satisfy his employers that the junior member of the firm concluded to enter into a life partnership with him. Miss Ross is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Ross of St. Charles, Minn.
Earl A. Barker was a member of the Thirteenth Minnesota infantry during the war with Spain, and went with that regiment to the Philippines, where it made an enviable record.
While the happy couple were spending the evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Kaiser the Bemidji band serenaded them, and other friends took occasion to call upon them. Mr. and Mrs. Baker will be at home to their friends on and after the 15th inst. on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Eighth street, this city. (July 25, 1901)
On June 28, 1903, Mr. Barker purchased the Mayo drug store and immediately began building up a nice drug business in addition to his already large jewelry and watch repairing trade. From that date, E. A. Barker took front rank among the young businessmen.
Barker Block Nearing Completion.
The work on the new Barker block is progressing very nicely, under the supervision of G. E. Kreatz. This building will be one of the finest-appearing blocks in the city, and being located in the business center, will add to the solid appearance of the main street. The new block will be finished in white. The bricks being used are called sand lime, and they will be faced with white stone. The front will also contain very heavy plate glass, and there will be two of the finest show windows to be found in the northwest.
Contractor Kreatz expects to have the block ready for occupancy in time for Mr. Barker to make an elegant display of holiday goods in the spacious windows of his new location. (Nov 2, 1907)
In 1907, he erected a fine, commodious and elegantly appointed block for the exclusive housing of his business. This block is pronounced to be one of the best arranged drug and jewelry establishments in the entire northwest.
In June 1910, he and Fred LaFavar, on behalf of Barker’s Drug, started a tour of northern Minnesota, so that they could meet their customers and get to know the territory. One of their first trips took them to Maltby and Becida. Driving his Velie auto, Earle Barker recommended other merchants to get out into the countryside and see what their neighbors were doing.
For Sale: Mr. Earl Barker’s Kissell 6-48 7-passenger private car. Fitted up in most modern way Good as new. Looks like new. Electric lights, self-starter. Cost $2380.00. Mr. Barker has been called to the front, which may mean years, compels him to sacrifice this beautiful 6-cylinder oar for $1050.00. If you want a car or know of someone, please call their attention to this. You will confer a favor on both Mr. Barker and the man who takes advantage of this exceptional bargain. Car can be seen at our garage. C. W. Jewett Co., Inc. (May 26, 1917)
Lieutenant Barker headed Bemidji’s Naval Militia, the first contingent of Bemidji men to leave for service on April 17, 1917. After his return, he aided in securing an armory for the city. He was a charter member of the Elks and held membership card #1 issued at the founding of the Bemidji Lodge in 1905, and served as Exalter Rler during the time when the Elks building was being constructed. In 1939, he was president of the Minnesota Jewelers Associated.
His daughter, Verna, died in January 1920 after an operation for appendicitis at St. Anthony Hospital. She was only a junior in high school when this tragedy hit the family. She had one brother, Walter.
Earle Barker sold Barker’s Rexall Drug Store in 1940 to Leal Buchanan and H. Arthur Vanderby. He and his wife Mina lived at 109 Eighth Street for most of their married life.
Mr. Barker was known for his daily visits to the hospital near his home. As one of his last civic acts, he financed and arranged a dinner for a few of the earlier settlers, so that Beltrami County could take a much needed first step in the organization of a county historical society. Earle Barker died on Sept 2, 1949.