THE NAME AND FAMILY OF BARKER

BARKER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 5/12/2006 at 11:11:35

THE NAME AND FAMILY OF BARKER

The name Barker is generally believed by family historians to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon word beorac, meaning shephard. One of the earliest known progenitors of the Barker family was Randolph or Ralph de Calverhall, of Shropshire, England, who held the Manor of Calverhall in the year 1200. He was the father of a son named Williams, who was generally called "William Fitz Ralph" (Fitz signifying son of), (The author didn't finish this sentence.)

This William had a son of the same name, he having a son William, and so on down the line until we come to James--our first ancestor to brave the dangers of a new life beyond the seas. We will leave him at the rock for a few minutes while we trace some of our important ancestors up to date.

Sir Christopher Barker, the Garter King of Arms, assisted at the coronation of Anna Boleyn and Edward the 6th. Robert Barker made the first edition of the King James Version of the English Bible in 1611.

Edmund Barker was a metaphysician and friend of Samuel Johnson. Collet Barker 1784-1831 was an explorer and Mt. Barker in Australia was named for him.

Benjamin Barker was an artist whose pictures are in the British Museum. Joseph Barker of Leeds England, founded the sect called Barkerites. (Neuclest). George Barker was a philanthropist, whose statue is in Birmingham, England. Capt. James Barker assisted in the victory of the Nile, and of the defence of America. Many served in the earlier wars, 200 having fought in the Revolution. History says of them, "They have been valient men and women, who became early settlers in America and bore without complaint their full share of the burdens of this country, loved liberty and their fellowmen; struggled for independence and peace, through every stirring event down to the present day. Our coat of arms was confirmed in England in 1278 by Edward 1, who reigned 1272-1307, and is the first known Barker coat of arms. Our motto "Saftey in God Along" must have been a guiding start to our ancestors, and in these troubled times should be a slogan for all of us to take up anew and carry on - - -

And now we will take over our immigrant James, who was born 1617 in Essex Co., England. His sister Christiana married a second husband, Capt. Thos. Beecher and sailed for America in 1630, settling in Charlestown, Mass. As James's mother died in 1620 it was but natural for the father, whose name was also James, to plan to join the eldest daughter in America. On March 24, 1634, father and son sailed from South Hampton, England on the ship Mary and John, Robert Sayers, Master. The father died on the voyage over and James, Jr., was taken in charge by a passenger, Nicholas Easton, who later married James's sister Christiana and they settled in Newport, R.I.

Original signed by Kate B. Dunlap

Source: Sherod, Barker-Forbes Scrapbook by Bernardine Forbes Clark, 1980