Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Barkman, Philip
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Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


PHILIP BARKMAN, who has been actively identified with the 
agricultural interests of Monroe, Bedford County, Pa., for 
more than half a century, was born in this township, October 
31, 1824, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Barkman.  
He is the grandson of one of the early pioneers of Bedford 
County, Michael Barkman, who migrated from Washington 
County, Maryland, to this section of the State of 
Pennsylvania when a young man, and, taking up a tract of 
land in the pathless forest, succeeded in clearing enough 
for a small farm, on which to support himself and family.
  Joseph Barkman ably assisted in the labor incident to the 
making of a pioneer home; but after leaving the parental 
roof he removed to Monroe township, where he was engaged in 
farming until his death.  He was a self-made man, and was 
everywhere respected for his sterling integrity.  He was an 
old-time Democrat in his political views and affiliations, 
and for a number of years served his fellow-townsmen as 
Constable.  Of his union with Elizabeth Fletcher the 
following-named children are still living: Jacob, a 
venerable resident of Monroe, Pa., now eighty years old; 
Susan, widow of Daniel Fletcher, late of Monroe; Philip, the 
subject of this brief sketch; Hezekiah, also of Monroe 
township; and David, who lives in Iowa.
  Philip Barkman received his education in the subscription 
schools, which he attended in his boyhood and youth at such 
times as he could be spared from the work of the home farm.  
Under his father's direction he became thoroughly conversant 
with the practical details of agriculture, which has been 
his principal occupation through life.  In February, 1865, 
he was enrolled as a member of Company G, Ninety-ninth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of 
Grant's army, and, after participating in the siege of 
Petersburg, was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered.  In 
June, 1865, at Philadelphia, he was honorably discharged 
from service, and at once returned to his home in Monroe, 
Pa.  Continuing his former work as a tiller of the soil, he 
met with success, and in 1877 purchased the farm of one 
hundred and fifty-five acres on which he has since resided.  
He has improved the property in a notable manner, having it 
now well equipped for general farming purposes.  The 
industrious habits acquired by him early in life have never 
been allowed to degenerate, and have largely contributed to 
his present prosperity.  Following in the political pathway 
trod by his ancestors, he stanchly supports the principles 
of the Democratic party, and has on occasions served in 
public office, having been a Director of the township 
schools and Judge of Elections a number of times.
  On March 4, 1852, Mr. Barkman married Elizabeth Barkman, 
daughter of Hezekiah Barkman, late of Southampton township, 
Pa.  She died February 5, 1873, leaving a host of warm 
friends to mourn with the immediate family in their deep 
bereavement.  She was a woman of great personal worth, and a 
consistent member of the Reformed church.  Four of the 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barkman are now living, 
namely: Joseph, Martin A., and Barbara, all of Monroe 
township; and Susan, wife of William B. Mann, of Altoona, 
Pa.


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa