Fred, the son of William G. and Angeline MARSHALL BARKER, was born near Benton, Iowa, May 19, 1882. He departed this life December 5, 1930. Fred; brother Harry M.; sister Florence, wife of Charlie NICKLES; sister Nellie, wife of George DENHART; sister Cora, wife of E. Jay PRICE; half-brother Howard; and grandparents, Reuben and Sarah BARKER all had a vital part in the early development of Benton, Iowa and Ringgold County. The entire family, with the exception of sister Florence and brother Howard, are buried in the Benton Cemetery.

Fred BARKER lived his entire life in Ringgold County, except for two years spent in California. He is remembered as an agressive, yet conservative, farmer. He enjoyed raising quality hogs and cattle, also fine horses. His Christian character was reflected in his every day living. He had respect for the rights of others.

On March 6, 1912, Fred was united in marriage with Mioma (Oma) Grace SCHLAPIA, daughter of Charles Wellington and Attie GLEASON SCHLAPIA. They established their home at the farm they had purchased in Rice Township, 1 1/2 miles west of the Mount Ayr post office. This farm home is the present home of their only child, Weldon L. and his wife, Lois E. VOGEL BARKER. Weldon's children are daughters: Mrs. David (Marilyn Sue) WEST and Mrs. Randall (Margaret Ellen) BOMER; and son Frederick H. BARKER whose wife is JoAnn M. KLOPPENBORG. The grandchildren are: Mike, Keith, and Matt WEST; Ronald, Brenda, and Diane BOMER; and Patricia and Christina BARKER.

NOTE: Angeline (MARSHALL) BARKER was born in 1851 and died in 1901.

SOURCE: 1887 - Benton, Iowa Centennial - 1987. p. 142. Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr IA

Transcriptions and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012

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