Anselm Holcomb Barker, born 1822, was an Ohio native. Early in his life he was a blacksmith, and later became a businessman. For more information, check out this archives finding aid [14].
One of the many folks interested in the gold rumored to have been found in Cherry Creek, Barker traveled from Nebraska to Colorado via the Platte River [15] in October, 1858. Just a few days after their arrival, Barker and the rest in the party founded the Auraria Town Company. They had heard about a settlement already founded in the area, but found no trace of a foundation or fixed lodging. Barker started construction on his house, thought to be the first permanent dwelling in the area, on 1 November 1858 on the Auraria settlement, and moved in on the 4th of November. Here is a drawing [16] of his place.
The Anselm Holcomb Barker Papers include Barker’s journals from 1858-1894, and correspondence to and from his granddaughter, Lucille L. Gewinner. This collection is available in Western History & Genealogy [17] at the Central Denver Public Library [18].
For more information on Anselm Holcomb Barker, as well as the history of Denver and Auraria, stop by the WHG department [19], and visit our website [17]. You might also be interested in these titles:
Where the Rivers Meet: The Story of Auraria, Colorado Through Our Eyes [20]
Auraria Remembered [21]
Anselm Holcomb Barker, 1822-1895: Pioneer Builder and Early Settler of Auraria [22]