Background
Barker, Wharton was born on May 1, 1846 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Abraham and Sarah (Wharton) Barker.
Barker, Wharton was born on May 1, 1846 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Abraham and Sarah (Wharton) Barker.
Paternal ancestors emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1628, maternal to Pennsylvania in 1682—Puritans and Quakers. Assisted in organizing 3d United States Colored Troops, 1863. Bachelor of Arts, University of Pennsylvania, 1866, A.M., 1869.
Member Barker Brothers & Company, bankers, Philadelphia. Appointed, 1878, special financial agent in the United States of Russian Government, and intrusted with the building of 4 cruisers for its navy. Made Knight of St. Stanislaus by Alexander II of Russia, 1879.
Was called to Russia to advise on development of coal and iron mines north of the Azof and presented plans which were adopted. Had important correspondence with Russians, both of the court adherents and some leaders of the late revolution, 1876-1917. Obtained, 1887, valuable railroad, telegraph and telephone concessions from China, withdrawn, 1888, by pressure upon Chinese Imperial Government by British Government.
Maintained correspondence with leading Chinese, some of them leaders in the revolution resulting in the republic, and regarded by them as authority on Far Eastern affairs. Advocate of America coöperation in the development of China’s material resources. Founded Penn Monthly, 1869, and merged it, 1880, into The American, a weekly, devoted to economic, social and political questions, and published 1880-1900.
Chief organizer of anti 3d term opposition to nomination of General Grant for President and proposer of nomination of General Garfield for President, and manager of Garfield pre-nomination campaign, 1880. Earliest proposer of nomination for the presidency of General Benjamin Harrison and manager of Harrison nomination campaign, 1884-1888. Republican until 1896.
Populist nominee for President, 1900. Has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and South America. Trustee University of Pennsylvania Home: Philadelphia, Pa.
As a member of the banking firm of Barker Bros. & Co., he was appointed (1878) special financial agent of the Russian government. He became a member of several learned societies.
Married Margaret Corlies Baker, October 16, 1867.