The company leased the largest known asphalt deposit at Pitch Lake, Trinidad in 1888 and expanded its operations with various offices and subsidiaries.

After several mergers and name changes, including a joint venture with Standard Oil in 1946, the company played a significant role in paving millions of miles of roads.

The Barber Asphalt Company also operated a fleet of tankers and coal ships which were used to contribute to the US Merchant Navy during World War II.

Barber, born in 1843. began his first career as a teaching professor, and then moved into real estate.

He had offices in Washington, D.C. from 1878 to 1912; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1912 to 1938; and Maurer, Perth Amboy, New Jersey from 1938 to 1948.

[1] Elkins Widener purchased the company in 1898 and merged it with his Trinidad Corporation subsidiary.

Barber Asphalt entered into a joint venture with Standard Oil Company of California in 1946.

Barber Asphalt Company operated Liberty ships and tankers for the merchant navy.