Pierre A. Barker

1837-38

HISTORY

                Pierre Augustus Barker was born in LaGrange, New York, on April 17, 1790. His father Samuel was originally from Connecticut, had served with General Lafayette during the Revolution, and was a State Assemblyman for Duchess County for nine terms.

                Barker was a wealthy citizen in Buffalo It is believed he arrived in the village around 1829 or 1830. For what reason is not known. He apparently was quite wealthy when he arrived here, and he purchased a large number of properties in and around the village.

                Shortly after his arrival he was appointed collector of customs for the port of Buffalo , and held the position from 1830 - 1838.

                He was one of the founders of the Bank of Buffalo  in 1831, and president of the Commercial bank in 1835 or 1836. And in 1838 or 1840 he was president of the United States Bank at Buffalo

                In 1837 Barker held the office of Alderman for the 5th ward and in 1837 he moved to "the country" into a mansion on Hudson Street where he owned several acres. "Anyone who went into the country to live as did Pierre A. Barker had horses and carriages, buggies, wagons and sleighs in abundance, and plenty of employees in the house and on the grounds." The house was a "monument to the energy of Benjamin Rathbun  and was erected by him...in 1834."

LIFE AS A MAYOR

                At the time Pierre Barker  took over as mayor, the city laid uneasy. Barker was selected as acting mayor on December 21, 1837, after Josiah Trowbridge  resigned. He immediately took to trying to calm the unrest. The following is from a poster from the time:

                "PROCLAMATION.

                Mayors Office, Dec. 30, 1837-Noon.

                Fellow Citizens: The report that outrages have been committed by persons of Canada

upon the lives and property of our inhabitants, has justly excited in your bosoms  that spirit which is so worthy of American Citizens. All legal measures will promptly be taken  to prevent any further aggression, and you will be called upon as fast as your services are required. A competent and well armed CITY GUARD, of respectable citizens has been organized under the Common Council , and sworn in as a city patrol. The laws must be strictly enforced, and to prevent any unnecessary alarm, the firing of guns after sundown is forbidden. Citizens are requested to call at any, and all times, at this office to report, or receive orders.

                PIERRE A. BARKER Acting Mayor.

                On January 5, 1838, when the council again met, they selected Barker to complete Trowbridge's term.

                By January 15th, the "Patriots" fund had run low and they split up, effectively ending the potential war. When the flurry settled down society gave "a big ball at the Eagle Street Theater on Washington's birthday."

PERSONAL LIFE

                "For a man who was as prominent as Mayor Barker  he left very little mark on the history of Buffalo " In 1812 he married Annache G. Livingston and had eight children. Their daughter, Eugenia Marie, married one of Buffalo 's most prominent citizens, Philander Hodge

                In 1838 George Wm. Clinton replaced him in the office of collector of customs.

                The winter of 1837 - 1838 went down in the history books as one of the mildest ever. There was no ice on the river, and boats frequently were seen during the Patriot War .