Career
Barker was the starting left fielder for the Forest Citys on June 1, 1871 in a road game against the New York Mutuals. In five plate appearances he went 1-for-4 (a single) with a walk and had two runs batted in. In the field he made two putouts without an error.
Despite his efforts, his team lost, 7-3. One of his teammates during his short stay with the club was future Hall of Famer Cap Anson. Barker umpired three National League games in 1881.
A native of Lost Creek, Indiana, Barker died at the age of 72 in Rockford, Illinois.