First Pictures

This picture shows three generations of the Barker and Clark relatives.  Grandpa Carey D. Barker is in the front center and his wife Sarah Clark Barker is standing behind him on the left.  My mother, their oldest child is standing on the far right holding me. To the left of me is my mother's sister, my Aunt Martha. The tallest gentleman to the left is my Great Grandfather Clark, who is the father of my Grandmother Sarah Clark Barker. The woman standing in the front on the left in front of my Great Grandfather is ------------------. Standing in the front to the left of my Grandpa Barker is my mother's youngest brother Edwin.  On the back row behind my Uncle Edwin is my mother's other brother my Uncle Morris.   These pictures were taken in Westfield, Indiana  in 1929 and were most likely the first time after my birth that my parents took me to my mother's hometown of Westfield for a visit.














 This picture is of four generations of my mothers family, taken the same day as the picture above. On the left my mother Ruth Barker Null is holding me.  To the right of her is her mother Sarah Clark Barker.  Then, on the far right is Grandpa Clark who is Sarah Clark Barkers father, my mother's Grandfather and my Great Grandfather.

Chapter One: In the beginning...

Genesis II : We are products of heredity and environment so say the psychologists. But which of the two plays a major role is a mute question. Of one thing I am certain: that changes in environment have had a great part in shaping my life. From my birth until my marriage in 1951, I had lived in at least 12 different places. Each with its different customs, traditions, and modes of living, and after marriage, I followed my husband into a like number of localities, both in America and Europe.

Life for me began in Kouts, Indiana, in Porter County near Valparaiso. Kouts was truly a rural town set in the midst of flat, black loam farmland, which drained into the Kankakee River System. I was a breech baby - that is, one that came feet first. A condition that was fraught with danger, for when the cold air hit the baby's feet and legs, nature would start the breathing process, and, if prompt measures were not taken, the baby would suffocate. But, Dr. Dittmer knew his business. He said "This baby is coming Bass Akward!" And with gentle, yet firm tugs, he made the needed separation. If you believe an old wives tale, breech babies are more apt to be cantankerous than those of normal birth. In my case, some persons would attest to the truth of that tale. Daddy said that I let out a yell which could be heard a city block away. Again, that may have been a portent of the future. For those who know me best say that on occasion I let the world know when there is need of aid!


http://www.finishingtouches-sa.com/audio/04_Franks_Bio_about_Mary_reading.mp3