Joseph Barber is the son of Thomas and Mary Ann Romig Barber, and was born in Allentown June 11, 1838. In 1845 he removed with his father to Illinois, where ten years were spent, five in Whiteside County and five in Henry County. During the latter period he was employed on the farm and in the mill owned by his parent. Returning to Allentown, in 1855, he entered his father's shop as apprentice to the trade of a machinist, but was influenced by circumstances at the expiration of a year to abandon his trade and begin a career of independence. He sought service for a while on the Lehigh Canal, and later on board a schooner plying between New York and Providence. He returned again to Allentown in 1858, and later finished his trade with his uncle, Levi Barber, at Bath, Pa., who was engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements.

He was, Oct. 6, 1860, married to Miss Sarah L. Lilly, daughter of George and Mary Lilly, to whom were born five children; William E., Anna M., Minerva L., Edward F., and Joseph H.

Alter a brief interval in New Haven, Conn., he again became a resident of Allentown, and on the 11th of September, 1861, enlisted in the Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was discharged July 28, 1864, having served in several important engagements. He then resumed his trade, both at Allentown and Mauch Chunck. On the death of his father Mr. Barber acquired a one-fourth interest in the business, which was retained for two years and then sold to his brother. In June 1880, he embarked in the tobacco and hardware business, and two years later, having sold his stock, returned to the shop as superintendent. In August 1883, in connection with John Allen and Charles Collum, under the firm name of Allen, Barber & Collum, he purchased the boiler-shop, and now conducts that branch of the business. Mr. Barber is in politics a Republican, but not an aspirant for office. He is a member of Post Ycager, No. 13, of the Grand Army of the Republic, as also of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and its Commandery.