Barker, William E.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 590-591. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914,
by Century Historical Association.

Barker, W. E., M. D., well-known physician, Plaquemine, La., was born at Plaquemine, Aug. 25, 1860; son of James L. and Dora E. (Tomlinson) Barker the former of whom was born in Plaquemine and the latter in Baton Rouge. The father was a financier, and held investments in a variety of enterprises. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil war. He was twice married. The first wife died in 1866, leaving 2 children, namely: James H., now a traveling salesman in New York state; W. E. the subject of this sketch. In 1872 the father of these chidren was married to Miss Elmire Fau, of Plaquemine, whose father died in 1909. To this second marriage 2 children were born, these being Leona, wife of P. B. Landry, of Morley, La., and Celeste, wife of Dr. A. A. Landry, of Plaquemine, who is elsewhere referred to in this work. Jas. L. Barker, the father, died in 1893. In the course of his education William Edward Barker, the subject of this sketch, attended the University of Mississippi, from which he graduated with the degree of B. A. in the class of 1880. Following this, he entered the medical department of Tulane university, graduating with the degree of M. D., in 1885. Shortly following the completion of his professional education he began the practice of medicine at Plaquemine, where he has remained in active practice to this time. Some time after beginning practice at Plaquemine, Dr. Barker formed a partnership with Dr. W. L. Grace in the conduct of a drug store at that place, and this was continued during some years, when the partnership was dissolved, Dr. Barker continuing the conduct of the business in its present location. Dr. Barker is a member of the Iberville parish Medical and the Louisiana State Medical societies, the American Medical association, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of America, and the Catholic church. Feb. 7, 1887, Dr. Barker was married to Miss Sallie D. Grass, of Plaquemine, who died 3 months after marriage. In Feb., 1889, Dr. Barker was married to Miss Olive M. Gassie, a daughter of Auguste and Marceline (Lefebvre) Gassie, of West Baton Rouge parish. Mrs. Barker's father was a planter, and is now deceased. He is survived by his wife at this time. Four children, two of whom are now deceased, have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Barker, those living being: William E., Jr., a graduate of Spring Hill college, Mobile, Ala., and now a student of the medical department of Tulane university; Myrle, now attending school at Grand Coteau convent, Grand Coteau, St. Landry parish, La.