Joseph M. Harker, 96, former chief supervisor of weights at the Peoria Board of Trade and a well-known resident here for many years, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Stewart, in Charleston, Ill., following a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of Peoria county, Mr. Harker was born at Harker’s Corners Dec. 18, 1850 the son of early pioneer residents of the community for whom that section of the county was named. He was one of the first graduates of the Peoria county normal school and taught in the rural schools in Peoria county for several years. Mr. Harker married Martha Cowley in Peoria county March 27, 1879.

For 18 years Mr. Harker was a valued employee of the Iowa Central railway, later taking over the position at the Board of Trade, which he held for many years. He retired some years ago to make his home with his sister, Mrs. John Barrett in Elmwood. Three years ago he went to Charleston to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Martha Stewart. A devout Christian Mr. Harker was a member of the Methodist church since boyhood. His work in the Masonic lodge was outstanding and he served for some years as master of the Elmwood lodge.