Harker - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Professor JOSEPH RALPH HARKER, Jacksonville Illinois

lonestar357 — 2009-10-27 04:48:34Z

Professor Harker's Bio:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilmaga/morgan/1906bios/har...

HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS
& HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY
Munsell Publishing Company, Publishers, 1906.

HARKER, JOSEPH RALPH , President of the Illinois Woman's College, Jacksonville, Ill., was born in the County of Durham, England, June 30, 1853, a son of Ralph D. and Mary (Young) Harker. The mother died in 1889, the father being still alive (1905). There were eight children in his father's family, the male members of which found occupation in coal mining. The entire family came to America in 1871 and settled in Duquoin, Ill., where they continued the occupation of coal mining. The subject of this sketch at that time was eighteen years of age, and, having left school at the age of ten years, had had no opportunity for study in the meantime. He continued to work in the mines until 1874, studying during the summer months when the mines were closed. He obtained good books and set to work in earnest to secure an education. Later he took up Latin and Greek, being assisted in his work by a school friend, and three years of hard work in the winter and study in the summer qualified him, by 1874, to teach a colored school in Duquoin. He then determined to become a teacher by profession, and abandon altogether the life of a miner. In the fall of 1874 he secured the principalship of a school at De Soto, Ill., where he remained two years. He then moved to Beardstown, where he taught one year; then in Meredosia, Morgan County, for four years. His next school was in Waverly, where he taught until 1884, when he was called by President Tanner of Illinois College to take charge of Whipple Academy, where his success was such as to increase the number of pupils from 40 to 138. He taught as Institute Instructor of Teachers for nine years in Perry County, and for several years in Sangamon and Morgan Counties, and his services have been in constant demand for the past twenty-five years. His first connection with college was as a member of the college faculty, taking up his work at the Whipple Academy. Here he continued his studies privately, with the result that he graduated from Illinois College in the class of '88 with the degree of A. B. In 1891 he secured the Master's degree, and that of Doctor of Philosophy in 1893.

In 1893 Doctor Harker assumed his present position as President of the Illinois Female College, now known as the Woman's College. Here he has been very successful and the number of pupils and the efficiency of administration have increased the patronage marvelously. During the past five years large additions to the college buildings have been made in consequence, and in 1900 three acres of ground were added to the college property, and improvements both to the buildings and grounds have been made to the extent of $80,000 within the past five years. The college has now a total enrollment of over 300 students; and the people of Jacksonville certainly owe much to Dr. Harker for the development of their institution.

On September 6, 1876, Joseph Ralph Harker was married to Miss Susan Amass, a native of England, who came to America with her brother. She died January 7, 1880, leaving one daughter named Maude, now the wife of Albert C. Metcalf, of Kewanee, Ill. In December, 1882, Dr. Harker married Fannie E. Wackerle, of Meredosia, daughter of Dr. W. J. Wackerle. Six children were born of this union, namely: Bessie, Jennie, Ralph, Louis, Albert and Ruth.

Dr. Harker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1904 was a delegate from the Illinois Conference to the General Conference, which met in Los Angeles, Cal. Politically he is a Republican.

Re: Picture of George Hasker or Harker or Hacker

titusshirley — 2009-09-15 15:13:15Z

i have a George Harker, b. 28 Dec 1858 who is son of
David & Jane Norris.

Re: Zachariah Harker descendants - reply to Ceclia

RLewis1137 — 2009-08-31 21:57:26Z

What's your e-mail address? I'll send it to you along with the article I wrote about James Harker:

“James Harker: Would-Be Emancipator," The Researcher XIII, 16-22, 1997, Carteret Co. Historical Society, Morehead City, NC.

Bob lewis

Re: Zachariah Harker descendants - reply to Ceclia

Mutsie — 2009-08-31 18:04:49Z

Thank you. I would very much like the family file. I have a copy of the probate of James estate (d.1804-05) and it left 2/3 to son John and 1/3 to Sarah. No mention was made of any other children. I also have a shortened version of the will of James(d.1814) No mention was made of grandson John which I thought odd and why I doubted the two James were related.

Re: Zachariah Harker descendants - reply to Ceclia

RLewis1137 — 2009-08-27 00:59:35Z

Yes, James Harker, b. Abt. 1750, Harkers Island, Carteret County, NC, d. Bet. 1804 - 1805, New Bern, Craven County, NC, m. Sarah Tinker 01 May 1802, Craven County, NC, was the son of James L. Harker, b. Abt. 1730, d. Dec 1813, Harkers Island, and grandson of Ebenezer Harker, b. 26 Feb 1688/89, Boston, Suffolk County, MA, d. 01 Jun 1765, Harkers Island, Carteret County, NC, and Elizabeth Brooks, b. 1705, Currituck County, NC, d. 1777, Harkers Island.

I will send you may family file by e-mail. I have a published article on Ebenezer Harker that I can also send you. If you don't know it, you are a distant cousin of Benjamin Franklin, who was Ebenezer Harker's 1st cousin.

Re: Zachariah Harker descendants - reply to Ceclia

Mutsie — 2009-08-26 18:30:35Z

I am descended from John Harker in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area and his family Bible says he was born in New Bern, N.C.in 1803 and that his parents were Sarah Tinker and James Harker m. 1802 in New Bern. I have the probate of James estate of 1805. There were no other children mentioned in the probate and I have no idea of who James' parents were. Any idea of how they could fit into the Ebenezer family since New Bern is just up the river from Harkers Island?

Re: Harkers in Northern German/Denmark/Sweden

sheilarose21 — 2009-04-22 23:43:45Z

check Harken in Foehr (North Friesen Islands) and another possibility is Harcken. Both of these are in Germany. Write me if you wish.

Re: William Harker & Elizabeth Hird descendants UK and Australia

norjostewart — 2009-02-28 14:05:48Z

Hi Jennifer
I have totally lost contact with you I went to visit you down south but you had shifted have you a new email I can contact you with Joan

HARKER Iris L and Curtis G

t42Moore — 2008-11-02 22:16:16Z

HARKER Iris L and Curtis G

I photographed this gravestone in the Moore Cemetery, Arlington,Tarrant Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 197,739 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

Re: William HARKER

dpharker — 2008-11-02 02:36:47Z

Hello do you know if your William had a brother George Harker
Looking for my ggrandfather who lived in Chicago as a barber and died 1909 born 1867
thanks

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

leahdtownsend — 2008-10-21 02:01:09Z

Mick:
I've sent you a message with my email, we definetly have alot to talk about!
Thanks!
Leah

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

mickharker — 2008-10-20 19:04:59Z

Hi. The person you are looking for is my father, born 20/11/1906 and died 24/12/1993.
I was unaware he had a Canadian family until recently. I suspect your Grandmother was June Doreen the eldest of three childen from the marriage with Florance Alice in 1931. She had two siblings, Glen Edward born 1935 and John born 1939.
Not a lot more information but plenty of questions!
Regards
Mick

Re: harkers michigan-ohio

damclam — 2008-10-15 04:10:59Z

I am the grandaughter of Lewis Harker, My father was "bennie joe"harker born 1919 died 1981. He and my mom are also buried in sigel, I do not have a copy of lewis" obit as i was born after he passed. Regarding Joseph I was told he is buried near Boylton a town near Fairfield Il. I,m determined to find this. as for ellondor I was told she is buried in southern missiori where she had lived with a daughter after joseph died. I did see in a book in library where joseph had died but gave no details

Re: James Harker

baileyjohn_1 — 2008-06-11 13:11:35Z

Ralph

Looks like it may be same family in 1910 but with James back with them and this time indicating English origins for James and the two boys.

Emigration is indicated as 1890-1891 - James with the boys (and wife?) following on.

I've had a good look on my files for any James Harkers in the Whitby area but haven't found any candidates yet.

Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs

Re: James Harker

baileyjohn_1 — 2008-06-11 12:50:09Z

Hi Ralph

I found this family on the 1900 Census for Buckingham, Pennsylvania.

No James Harker but children named George, Ralph and Rachael of presumably about the right ages.

They are boarding with a Charles Ramsey and family.

The problem is that all the children are shown as being born in Pennsylvania with US parents. Of course the motives of the people declaring this information must always be questioned.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancashire

James Harker of Whitby, Yorkshire & USA

Ralph_Harker — 2008-06-09 20:57:09Z

I am looking for any info. on my Harker line. My great-grandfather James Harker came to the USA about 1889 with his 2 sons, George William and Ralph. He had a daughter Rachel A. who I believe was born in the USA. James Harker was from Whitby,Yorkshire,England.

Harker/Waldron NJ & PA

cuffsnstuff364 — 2008-04-16 21:02:48Z

Hello I am trying to find information on the family of William S Harker born 1886 in PA married ,Susan May Waldron they are living in Trenton NJ in the 1910 census . Susan used her middle name May for the census she is also recorded as Mary Walden in earlier years she is the daughter of Anna Waldron nee Britton .

Harkers in Northern German/Denmark/Sweden

spatenemeister — 2008-03-06 20:07:24Z

Anyone have any information on the above please?

Re: Gwedolyn Harker

bookrbookr — 2007-11-08 04:13:27Z

Hi again, Gwendolyn Harker was my father's 1st cousin. Her mother, Elizabeth Fraser (that's the way they spelled it, not Frazier) was the sister of Jessie Fraser Mason, my grandmother, and daughter of Thomas & Annie Holm Fraser. I believe I included a picture of Elizabeth and baby Gwendolyn in an email to you a couple of days ago.
Liz M.

Re: Gwedolyn Harker

BTeran — 2007-10-28 03:11:37Z

Gwendolyn Harker lived here in the US. She was the daughter of John Harker and Elizabeth Faser. Elizabeth was born in Scotland and married John Harker here in the USA. They had Gwendolyn. I think perhaps Iowa was the birthplace of Gwendolyn.
Barbara

Gwedolyn Harker

BTeran — 2007-10-27 20:57:37Z

Looking for Gwendolyn Harker. Daughter to John Harker and Elizabeth Fraser. Any information please notify Barbara at barbzwire@elp.rr.com.

Re: Gwedolyn Harker reply back

BTeran — 2007-10-29 01:47:34Z

Dear Tony,
Thanks so much for the information you sent to me. I believe that the information you found is indeed correct. I appreciate the speedy response. I am going to print this out and study it. I appreciate this so much. Thanks. Barbara ( Are you related to this family?) Be back later

Re: Gwedolyn Harker

baileyjohn — 2007-10-28 12:20:29Z

Hi Barbara

This looks like the family you are looking for.....

Name: John Edwin HARKER
Sex: M
Birth: 10 MAY 1869 in Wis.

Father: Simeon HARKER b: 1 APR 1830 in Yorkshire England
Mother: Zennette E. KENNEDY b: 19 JUL 1833 in Iowa

Marriage 1 Elizabeth FRAZIER b: 9 APR 1878 in Scotland

Children of Simeon and Zennette are given as...

James William HARKER b: ABT. 1857
George Thomas HARKER b: 23 MAR 1858 in Iowa
John Albert HARKER b: 20 JAN 1860
Simon C. HARKER b: 24 DEC 1861
Simon Elsworth HARKER b: 31 AUG 1863
Frank E. HARKER b: 14 JAN 1865
Richard Kennedy HARKER b: 1 JAN 1866
John Edwin HARKER b: 10 MAY 1869 in Wis.
Charles Alvin HARKER b: 30 AUG 1870
Mary A.E. HARKER b: 9 DEC 1873
Minnie Eldora HARKER b: 10 JAN 1876

This is from at tree on Ancestry

They give the child as
Gwendolyn Zinetha Harker

I'll look into it further and see what information there is - I can't see a contact detail.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancashire

Re: looking for distant relatives-Harker

fbarrus — 2007-12-07 23:32:28Z

My Mary Harker was md 1842 in Henry Co Indiana to Wm Handley then moved to Jo Daviess and Carroll Co Illinois. You did not say what state you are looking in.

Ann or Anna Harker, b 1837

rdemchuk1 — 2007-07-03 06:00:24Z

I am looking on any available information on Ann or Anna Harker, born about 1837 in England. She married Bonson Spensley/Spencely in Wisconsin in 1857. Does anyone have this individual in their records? I am looking for her parents or siblings. Thank you!!!

Re: Rebecca Harker

ChapterGenie — 2007-08-12 15:13:59Z

I have an old photo of a Enos Randol. On the back it says that he was husband of Katharine Danforth, no city, no state. I have no other info other than this and it is driving me crazy. I don't even know if he is related to me.
Please email me at biffbiff72@yahoo.com

Re: Ann or Anna Harker, b 1837

baileyjohn_1 — 2007-07-21 12:46:53Z

Hi

The information I have is....

Ann Harker [b. 06/12/1837, Yorkshire: d. 17/09/1918, Shullsburg, Lafayette Co. Wisconsin: bur. 19/09/1918, Evergreen Cemetery, Shullsburg] m. {13/09/1857} Bonson Spensley [b. 05/04/1835, Yorkshire: d. 06/02/1885, Shullsburg] Son of Richard Spensley and Alice Bonson
Children:
Rose Ann Spensley [b. 1859, Wisconsin]
Robert B. Spensley
Alice E. Spensley
George M. Spensley [b. 1865, Scales Mound, Illinois: d. 30/03/1896]
Sarah E. Spensley
Hannah I. Spensley
=========================

It is believed that Ann was the daughter of.....

George Harker [bp. 19/06/1809, Low Row Wesleyan Methodist (IGI): d. 07/02/1885, Big Patch, Wisconsin], Waggoner m. {19/10/1830, Grinton (IGI)} Elizabeth Hugill [b.c. 1810: d. bef. 1881]. Living at Low Row in 1841C. George Harker, Widower aged 70 was residing with his son Simon in US1880C

All this is part of a much more extensive Harker tree with various contacts. Drop me an email to exchange further details.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs
email:
baileyjohn@bolton107.freeserve.co.uk

Re: Harkers in Bradford, West Yorkshire

baileyjohn_1 — 2007-07-21 12:34:32Z

Hi Jessica

Now this is interesting.

As HARKER is my main interest name I took a look at the information you gave.

Iris Harker's birth was registered at Bradford in June Quarter 1919. Her mother's maiden name was DAWSON.

There is a marriage registered at Bradford in September Quarter of 1914 between William F. Harker and Daisy Dawson so this is probably correct as far as Iris's parents are correct.

I found a William F. Harker on the 1901 census born circa 1887-1888 in Bradford. The family were living at 49 Bowland Street, Manningham, Bradford.

William Harker 43
Sarah Harker 43
Lily Harker 17
Ethel Harker 16
William F Harker 13
Edith Harker 9
Hetty Harker 8
Annie Harker 6
Albert Harker 3

William Harker was given as born in Derby, Derbyshire and Sarah in Barnsley. All the children born Bradford. William Snr. was a tapster (barman)

When I looked up this family in the 1891 census William's birthplace is given not as Derby but as Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire which is where it got really interesting.

On my tree is William Harker born 4th October 1857. Son of George Harker (born Grassington, Yorks 1821). George was first cousin to my Great Grandfather, Bailey John Harker (b. Grassington 1843).

This seems to fit together quite well - I have a related contact in Wolverhampton who is descended from a brother of William (1857), George Harker. Most of the family seemed to end up in Bradford.

I'm sure my contact (Edith) would be interested in what information you have found on the certificates.

Would you care to drop me an email at....
baileyjohn@bolton107.freeserve.co.uk

All the Best
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs

Re: Gwedolyn Harker reply back

baileyjohn_1 — 2007-10-29 07:17:31Z

Hi Barbara

No relationship (as far as I know) to this family - My mother's Harkers were from Grassington in Wharfedale, Yorkshire but earlier (pre-1765) were from Swaledale further north.

No indication of where Simeon (or Simon?) was born in Yorkshire so we need to keep looking for this to tie him into another line.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs

Re: Gwedolyn Harker

baileyjohn_1 — 2007-11-08 11:38:47Z

Hi Liz

I wondered if you had any further information on the origins of Gwendolyn's ancestor Simon / Simeon Harker in Yorkshire (1830)

I'd looked at various sources and couldn't tie him down at all.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

baileyjohn_1 — 2008-02-26 07:12:12Z

Hi Leah

At least that's some progress. Was an address given for the birth?

The Webb could be signifcant - possibly a female grandparent? (May even have been the father's name)

All the Best
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancs

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

baileyjohn_1 — 2008-01-09 15:31:20Z

No Problem

If you do get more information then be sure to let us know and we can see if Cyril can be linked into earlier facts.

Happy Hunting
Tony

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

baileyjohn_1 — 2008-01-09 08:39:06Z

Hi

The Free BMD site has a birth registration.

Surname First name(s) District Vol Page

----------------------------------------------
Births Dec 1906
----------------------------------------------
Harker Cyril Walter W Prescot 8b 750

There were quite a few Harker births registered in the Prescot area in this period which isn't the easiest time-frame to derive information from the indexes - i.e. no mother's maiden name or census available.

I believe Cyril emigrated to Canada in 1929 - is this correct.

It looks like you may have to obtain a copy of the birth certificate for more information. I checked on Genes Reunited and no-one seems to be researching Cyril's family.

Best Wishes
Tony Owen
Bolton, Lancashire

Re: Edward Hazzard/Eliza Harker married in Western NE

dgslate_88 — 2007-10-25 13:49:58Z

New info update...Probably married @1900 in MOno NE. Edward is missing from 1910 census, so probably died. Son Maurice is spelled Morris on 1910 census.

Re: Harkers of PA

LuMacKie80 — 2007-11-18 00:30:53Z

Contact me. I'm looking for a Cornelius Harker, who had a guardian named Absalom Bonham. Absalom was most likely his cousin. I have copies of the guardianship papers. Absalom supposedly married a Jemima Harker.

Sincerely,
L. B. MacKie
mbmackie1231@aol.com

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

andysgal — 2007-12-11 03:56:23Z

I've just found records of my gggrandfather, Fredrick Harker,wife Elizabeth Uhl and about 6 children in the 1870 Census in Indiana. In 1880, however, I find only his wife Elizabeth; one older daughter, Sophia; and my ggrandmother Loueda Harker(Collier) b. 1871. Is this connected to all the deaths you mentioned? I'm trying to trace the "missing" children, but have only found 2 so far. Any help is appreciated.

Gayle

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

andysgal — 2008-01-10 21:04:06Z

Thanks for the tip on the site. I'll try it! Do you have anything specific on my ggggrandfather, Christ(ian) John Fredrick Harker, aka Fred Harker?

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

andysgal — 2008-01-10 20:58:00Z

Earl ~~ I'm trying to find death date for Christ(ian) John Fredrick Harker. He isn't the Sheets/McClure burial records with Jacob F. and the others. Any idea when and where he died? Fredrick, Elizabeth(Uhl)and children are in the 1879 Ohio Census, but in the 1880 Indiana Census Elizabeth Hoeriger(Harker) is in Indiana and only two children are given. Do you have any further info on this family?

Thanks, Andysgal

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

andysgal — 2007-12-02 22:33:32Z

Hi! I'm researching a Fredrick Harker who married Elizabeth Uhl. Their daughter, Louida(Edith)Collier b. 1871 was my great grandmother. Fred Harker came to America as a young child from Germany (the Alsace-Lorraine) region. So far the information on Jacob F. Harker seems to fit as his father. I'm seeking documentation to confirm this.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

andysgal — 2007-12-02 23:23:01Z

Hi Terri ~~

I just found these Harker postings. I believe your Jacob F. Harker was the father of my great great grandfather, Fredrick Harker. Frederick and Elizabeth Uhl were the parents of my great grandmother, Louida (Edith) Collier.

I would be greatful for any Harker information you have.

Gayle

Rebecca Harker

paulstein1 — 2007-03-19 20:49:30Z

My 9th great grandmother was Rebecca Harker who became the second wife of Enos Randol in February 1770 and lived in the Minisink/Wyoming Valley regions of New York/New Jersey/Penn. Rebecca Harcourt may be her maiden name and she was probably the daughter of William Harcourt and Sarah Harsful. However, I have no hard evidence making that link although I do have enough evidence to infer the family connection. Does anyone know of a maiden Rebecca Harker or Harcourt most likely born in the late 1740's or early 1750s in New Jersey?

Re: Rebecca Harker

paulstein1 — 2007-08-12 15:58:15Z

The Enos Randol in my line never married a woman named Danforth and died in 1811 when I doubt pictures were being taken. His son, Enos Jr., also seems to me too early for picture taking; he died in 1836. There was a nephew named Enos, born 13 November 1799, who may have lived in Ohio if my memory serves me well, and one of his descendants may be the Enos you are seeking. This Randol family seems to have used the name Enos several times in every generation.

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

leahdtownsend — 2008-01-08 21:09:10Z

I'm also looking for an English Harker.
Cyril Walter Harker is my great grandfather, born about 1908 in England. At some point he was in Canada where he was married to Florence Shore (last name possibly Jeffries, she was adopted). They were still together in 1933 when my grandmother was born. However, at some point after that they separated and he went back to England. I think he may have died in 1993, but not 100% sure. If anyone has a Cyril Harker from this time period in their tree, I would be very grateful to know more.

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

leahdtownsend — 2008-02-26 00:08:34Z

I finally got the birth certificate back on Cyril Harker. Full name is Cyril Walter Webb Harker. And it turns out the reason I couldn't find anything on him is because he was a bastard. No name recorded for a father. His mother was Mary Harker, a domestic servant. And his official birthday is 20 Nov 1906.
Don't know if he fits in anyone else's tree. I'm just glad to get one more name in the tree.

Re: Help Looking For Harkers In England

leahdtownsend — 2008-01-09 15:10:50Z

Thank you so much! This is one of those parts of the tree that seemed to be a dead end, thanks for the info.

looking for distant relitives

cycochick_86 — 2007-12-05 07:15:26Z

hello my name is eileen harker. i am looking for any relitives, and family history. the only living blood relitives that i know are my mother, and my grand father. any info would help.
thank you.

Re: looking for distant relitives

wendyh651 — 2007-12-05 08:35:01Z

Hi Eileen,

Welcome to the HARKER board. :-)

It would help if you gave some details about who your ancestors are, so people can help you further. What were their names, where were they born, who did they marry, what were their childrens' names, where and when did they die?

Don't post names and dates for your living relatives (you need to respect their privacy), but do tell us about those who have passed on.

Hope this helps. :-)

Kind Regards,
Wendy Howard
Board Admin

Re: Gwedolyn Harker

wendyh651 — 2007-10-27 21:56:26Z

"Looking for Gwendolyn Harker. Daughter to John Harker and Elizabeth Fraser."

What country did these people live in? What time frame?

Chicago Harkers

dpharker — 2007-11-05 17:02:01Z

Interested in any information on Harker families in Chicago in the 1800 and early 1900s.

Thanks

Re: Jacob F. Harker from Germany

AlliHarker2 — 2007-12-05 00:31:45Z

I believe this is your Jacob F. Harker:

http://www.familysearch.org/ENG/Search/Census/household_reco...

If you are new to this I suggest using www.familysearch.org.
It's the site I use most often, and it's a good starting place if you have little information.

I will post more if I find more.
Good luck! :)