From the “Biography”:
George Barker of Boston (9. März 1852 — after 1916) being musically inclined, his father, having been an organist in a church in England as well as being a violinist of no mean ability, it was not long before he was able to play the guitar, the instrument of his choice, in such a way as to attract the attention of intimate friends. After hearing him play, many of his acquaintances became imbued with the idea that they would like to play some instrument, and Mr. Barker was prevailed upon to teach them what he knew.
Mr. Barkfer has composed and arranged a large number of musical compositions for the stringed instruments, which are now in circulation throughout the United States and Canada.