Henry Rodman Barker
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| 15th Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island | |
| In office January 1889 – January 1891 | |
| Preceded by | Gilbert F. Robbins |
| Succeeded by | Charles Sydney Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Henry Augustus Rodman Barker (1841-09-15)September 15, 1841 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | March 17, 1901(1901-03-17) (aged 59) [A] Providence, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Annie C. Tripp |
| Parent(s) | William Cornell Barker and Sarah A. Jencks |
| Occupation | Banker and politician |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United StatesUnion |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit | 10th Rhode Island Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
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Henry Rodman Barker (September 15, 1841 – March 17, 1901)[1][A] was 15th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island 1889-1891.
Henry Rodman Barker was born "Henry Augustus Rodman Barker" in Providence, Rhode Island on September 15, 1841, to William Cornell Barker and Sarah A. Jencks.[2]
He attended public schools in Providence and graduated from high school in 1859.[2] A year later, he went to work for the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company.[2] When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as sergeant of Company I, Tenth Rhode Island Regiment for one term of service, then returned to the insurance company.[2][3] From that time on, he was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.[2]
Barker was associated with several banks, including Samuel P. Colt's Industrial Trust Company, the Rhode Island Investment Company, the Rhode Island Electric Protective Company, the Old Colony Cooperative Bank,[2] the Roger Williams Savings Fund and Loan Association, and the Boston Investment Company.[3]
Barker joined the Masons in 1862, and belonged to Grace Episcopal Church.[2]
Barker married Annie C. Tripp, daughter of Stephen A. and Jane Ames Tripp, of New Bedford in October 1864.[3] They had two children.[2]
Barker died suddenly on March 17, 1901,[A] at his home in Providence while getting ready for church.[1] The cause was apparently heart failure.[1] He was buried at Swan Point Cemetery.[2]
Barker served seven years on the city council, serving from 1873 to 1880.[2][3]
As a city councilman, Barker was a strong supporter of Mayor Doyle's introduction of modern infrastructure systems, needed as Providence grew into a modern city.[2] These improvements included waterworks and a sewage system, modern schools, and improvements in municipal services.[2]
As mayor, Barker called for city funding of the public library, which previously had been privately funded.[3] He improved the sewage system and improved the railroad terminal.[3]
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Mayor of Providence 1889-1891 |
Succeeded by |
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