Biography of Milton P. Barker, pages 763 / 764.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.  

Milton P. Barker, section 11, Smithfield Township, is a son of Edward 
Barker, who settled on section 10, Smithfield Township in 1852.  Edward 
Barker was a native of Nottinghamshire, England, born June 1806, and came 
with his parents to the United States in 1835.  He lived two years in 
Detroit, Mich., and then moved to Branch County, Mich., where he lived till 
1850.  He then came to Indiana and lived two years in Steuben County.  He 
was by trade a miller, serving an apprenticeship of seven  years in England, 
and worked at this trade in connection with farming prior to his settlement 
in De Kalb County.  He was mainly instrumental in the building of Barker’s 
chapel on section 10; was the first to advocate the enterprise and 
contributed greatly of time and money to accomplish the object.  He was much 
respected by all who knew him and was often called upon to officiate at 
funerals and weddings.  He was married in England to Susanna Pitts, who 
died in September, 1840. Leaving four children; but two of whom are 
living---Mary Ann, now Mrs. Dirrim, and Milton P.  Edward and Emma are 
deceased.  Emma married Henry J. Salander, and died March 10, 1860, 
leaving one son, who died in June 1884.  Mr. Barker subsequently married 
Rebecca Oram, of Knox County, Ohio, who died in 1876.  Their only son, 
Edward O., resides in Pratt County, Kas.  Mr. Barker died Sept. 21, 1872.  
Milton P. was born in Branch County, Mich., in 1840.  Forty acres of his 
farm of 140 acres is a part of the homestead.  He was married to Margaret, 
daughter of James Dirrim, of Franklin Township.  They have five children---
Clara, wife of Preston Miller; Hannah D., wife of William Updegraph; Isaac 
E., Charles M., and James C.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com