[1] There, his ability at business was recognized by his employers, and he was frequently put in charge of ships bringing goods from New York.

[1] Leaving the warehouse, Barker took a job as a travelling salesman for a tobacco company in Logansport, Indiana, but himself lived in Detroit.

[1] Barker married in 1847 to the daughter of Gilbert Bedell of Ann Arbor, Michigan; the couple had three children.

[3] Barker was also the presiding officer of the Horse Association of America, and was elected Commodore of the Great Lakes Yacht Club.

[2] Barker had purchased the "Wedding Cake House," built for Samuel Lewis on East River Road.