UPSON COUNTY GA Obits Prof Joseph L. Barker Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Scrapbook in Archives http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/upson.htm :Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm :GA Table of Contents: PIONEER EDUCATOR DIED SUNDAY Prof Joseph L. Barker died at his home near Barker's Springs in Upson County last Sunday. The funeral and burial of Pref Barker occurred Monday morning at Friendship Church near Barker's Spring, the exercises being conducted by Elder Hicks of Roberta. A large number of former pupils and friends gathered at the church to pay a last tribute to the deceased. Prof Barker was one of the oldest and best known citizens of Upson County. He was 90 years and 9 months of age and was born in the county where he spent most of his life. He taught school for more than fifty years consecutively. A great part of this time he taught at Oak Grove School House. He spent several years teaching in adjoining counties. There are many residetns of Upson and adjoining counties who erceived much or all of their instruction from Prof Baker. He was a fine teacher and disiplinarian and many of his former pupils are fond of relating incidents connected with their school life under Prof Barker. He was a man of impeccalbe honesty and integrity and strove to impart these characteristics to his pupils. Prof Barker was a member of the Masonic order. While he never united with the church he was of Primitive Baptist faith, had expressed the intention of becoming a member of Friendship church at the next meeting. He lived a most exemplary life and bore the esteem and affection of those who came in contact with him. Prof Barker owned Barkers Springs where his home had been for many years. His wife preceded him to the grave about ten years ago. He leaves the following children: Mack Barker of Abbeville; Monroe Barker of Tifton; Will Barker of Ashburn; Miss Ella Barker of Upson County, Mrs. J.H. Holye of Thomastong. He also leaver the following brother and sister: Mr. Elijah Barker and Mrs. P.F. Brown of Upson County. The County of Upson lost a good and useful citizen in the death of Prof Barker and the people of the county join in extending sympathy to the bereaved relatives.