The Barkers of Exeter and Bangor, Maine Sprague's Journal of Maine History No. II Vol. VII AUG. SEPT. OCT 1919 pages 107-108 The Barkers of Exeter and Bangor, were one of the notable families of Maine, of the same generation as were the Hamlins, the Washburns, and later the Powers. The two most famous Barkers were known as "Dave" and "Lew". Noah, a noted land surveyor was a good second to either. They were intellectual people and each one a unique type. Lewis was a bright lawyer, a Republican politician who was in his prime when the party was born, and for many years had a national reputation as a brilliant and picturesque stump speaker. David was also a lawyer, but won his real fame as a writer of verse -- a poet loved by the common people, for his simple and fervent rhyme touched their hearts and won their praise. In 1872, David Barker was a member of the Maine House of Representatives. In the "Biographical Sketches of the Members Elect" for that year, appears the following: Barker, David, Exeter. Republican, religious sentiments: "My hope is for a better life somewhere, with less friction than here;" lawyer; age 55. Born in Exeter, Sept. 9, 1816, where he has ever since lived. We give the remainder of his biography in his own words: "You allude to my poems. I have no ambition to be remembered in that direction, unless for a few I have written, among which are, first, 'The Covered Bridge' through which you and I and all other mortals must pass. Second, 'The Empty Sleeve,' which was wrung from my heart when our country was wading knee-deep in blood." Noah Barker of Corinth was a member of the Maine Senate of the years (then annual sessions) 1879 and 1880. In the Biographical Sketches (supra) his record is as follows: Barker, Noah, Corinth, (Penobscot County). Independent; no isms in religion, "do right and risk the consequences;" land surveyor and farmer, or "own my farm and farming tools;" married; age 72. Born in Exeter, then a plantation called Blaisdell town. Educated in the common schools and at Hampden and Foxcroft Academies, but mainly at the family fireside. For many years a member of the superintending school committee; town clerk; selectman; county commissioner, and State Land Agent. Member Maine House of Representatives in 1838, 1840, and 1856, and of Senate in 1879. Was a Democrat till the party leaders were for extending slavery into our free territories; then a Republican. (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.