Author: Barker, James Nelson
Biography:
BARKER, James Nelson (1784-1858: WBIS)
Born and educated in Philadelphia, the son of General John Barker and Mary Nelson. His first play, a comedy, was performed there in 1807, and his last (generally considered, best) in 1824: his plays and dramatic criticism, strongly favouring American subjects and themes, make him a pioneer among native-born dramatists. In 1811 he married Mary Rogers; they had one daughter. A captain of artillery in the War of 1812, he rose to the rank of major before he left the army in 1817 to become first an alderman and then the mayor of Philadelphia, like his father before him. He later filled other government posts, including a long period from 1838 until his death, in the US Treasury in Washington DC. (DAB; International Dictionary of Theatre [1993]) HJ
Other Names:
- J. N. Barker
- James N. Barker