Joseph Barker

Who was Joseph Barker?

Joseph Barker was an American local public figure of the 1840s and 1850s remembered for his nativist and anti-Catholic activism which marked his brief term in public office as mayor of Pittsburgh.

There are no reliable historical accounts documenting Joseph Barker's early years, and, despite his association with Pittsburgh, there is no specific indication that the city was his birthplace. Important, although sparse, details are provided, however, in the information collected by the Census of 1850. Barker is listed therein as 44 years old and living in Pittsburgh's Fifth Ward with his Irish-born wife Jane and three children. His birthplace is described as being in "Pennsylvania", and his occupation is given as "Mayor".

Barker gained public attention and notoriety as an illiterate street preacher inveighing against Catholics. In September 1849, following one of his tirades, Pittsburgh mayor John Herron had him arrested for "obstructing traffic" and "using lewd and indecent language".