E. J. Barker

[written by John Barker Richardson]

E. J. Barker, as he was known to most of his neighbors and family, was probably one of the "best" of the Barkers. He was intelligent, kind and generous. He was a problem solver and was sought out and highly regarded by his Boone Co, neighbors. He took his swine to the Great Exhibition in Chicago in 1913 and won many prizes. That was the beginning of his fame in swine.

E. J. loved Boone Co, and Thorntown in particular. He did whatever he could to ensure its success. In the huge stock market crash, both banks in Thorntown shut down. The town fathers came to E. J. and asked him to personally reopen and oversee one of the banks. It was highly speculative, and took a large amount of E. J.'s personal funds. The bank was a huge success, and is in 2002 one of the few privately owned banks left in the state of IN.

E. J. furnished all of the cafeteria equipment when the new Thorntown Elementary School was built. He purchased chimes for the Thorntown Presbyterian Church bell tower, which still are heard all over town on a daily basis. Some accused E. J. of flaunting his wealth. His friends and relatives knew he was a humble man trying to give to his beloved community.

E. J. was asked at one time to run for Governor of the State of IN. After much consideration, he declined. He knew a politician's image is tainted by career. He did not want his name tainted in any way.

Submitted by: Shelly Sloan