The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-13
SHOCKING TRAGEDY.
An Aged Gentleman Shot and Killed
by His Nephew.
MISTAKEN FOR A BURGLAR.
The Victim a Well Known Retired New
York Tradesman

Mr.. Joseph d. Barker, most estmable and highly
respected citizen OF New Rochelle aged seventy
five years, came to untimely death about enc
A. NJ, yesterday. under very peculiar and painful
circumstances. which has thrown family into the
deepest distress. Mr. Barker brother of Mr.
James W. Barker. who the Know Nothing
candidate in opposition to Fernando Wood
when he for Mayor OF this city
some twenty to twenty-three years ago.
Another brother is Mr.. Step&en II. Barker. OF
Tuckahoe where he is interested An the rubber
tory. under the firm of Hodgman x Co.. and also
carrying extensive Wholesale and retail dry
goods business at Louisville. Ky. The deceased
formerly engaged in business in this city. and
conducted a store known in Chatham street the
"Big Boot" For some time past he has resided in
retirement with relatives.
The following particulars in regard to the
renee were communicated by intimate friend OF
the family. as gathered by him Immediately after
the shooting Benjamin S. Clark. lawyer of
this city. and his wife recently purchased cosey
dwelling house at the junction Of Main and Hugue-
not streets, short distance south of tho
Presbyterian Church. Now Rochelle and with
them resided their uncle Mr.. Barker. tho
deceased his sister. Sarah Clark. and
two other relatives. and among whom tho
Clark slept in front room on the rat story About
na o,o,oc, ostoraa,l -,.u,,,,, NJ 1,,- -
aroused from his slumbers by his wife, who had
heard some noise which led her to suppose that
burglars were trying to effect entrance into
the house. Mr.. Clark Immediately sprang
from his bed. armed himself with a re-
volver and cautiously went in the direction
rom which the noise proceeded. He examined the
dining room windows and those leading to the base
nent WITHOUT "aAi ing Any aiS'oSery' ou' Oh gong
70 doubts door leading TO the rear piazza ne found
that the inside door which is half glass and
n, tho hal, ,os. ,,ar,,v omen and that +he nrto-
lhto the rear naii' Wa ir'iy oeh anu tna' ING outer
door unfastened. and it appeared to move if
some on the outside was trying to open or close
it tight
TIE FATAL MISTAKE.
Mr.. Clark took hold OF this door and called ont to
goes there? Speak or shall fire." Mr.. Clark then
pressed against the outer door to open it, but his
sgsn caaS out nes shall and reoeve
no response. The door was not July closed at the
in uy e muszs Of the revolver into tho
aperture and not seeing any object outside fired
twice with view Of frightening away the supposed
burglars, the charge of the pistol each time scorch
ing the side OF the door, Immediately after the last
shot was fired the pressure against the door outside
inside of the door caused it to open. when
MIR. Barker entered the rear hall at
on recognizing him. exclaimed, my God. uncle. is.
that you? What are yon doing here? / might have
hurt or shot you; he placed his hand on his
nephew's shoulder and said. Benny. think you
upon the stairs Mr. Clark. on attempting to Lift
him up, discovered that he had shot him. rs blood
was flowing from his lott arm DIR. Wells was im-
mediately sent for but when he arrived Mr.. Barker
was dead
THE INQUEST.
Coroner Nordquist. OF Tuckahoe. being sent for.
commenced to investigate the circumstances under
which Mr. Barker came to his death: ana impaii-
elled jury composed OF Gideon W. Davenport.
foreman; George Il Ackeruan. john harmer. Amos
< Corwin. Aaron Dederer and Henry Thompson.