Over the years I’ve done a great deal of family genealogy research. Some came easy, some came hard but all of it was fascinating. As a history buff, I love when I could place a family member within the framework of history to a specific time and place. With Memorial Day coming, I thought I’d take a moment and share the history of a family member, on my great grandmother’s side, Moses Barker.
Moses Barker was born to Ebenezer and Abigail Barker of Methuen MA in 1737. Moses, along with his father Ebenezer, served in the colonial military units during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). He served in Captain William Barron’s Company from May to December of 1760 throughout New England and Quebec. He served with his brother Enoch Barker, who died at the Isle de Noux.
Moses didn’t stray from his sense of duty or his stubborn New England determination. Though a farmer by trade, in 1775 he fought again but this time for the independence as a Minuteman in the Revolutionary War. 1st Lieutenant Barker was part of the Continental line, seeing action at Lexington with the Mass Militia.
As a Revolutionary War hero, Moses and his wife Lydia went by two wheeled ox cart from Massachusetts to Italy Hill, New York where the family increased to thirteen. He cleared land, hewed logs, built buildings and made a living for his family. In the Barker Italy Naples Cemetery are the graves of LT. Moses Barker, and his descendants.
I find it amazing that in a particularly difficult time in rugged, Colonial New England, when called to serve there was no hesitation from this man or his family. Their actions helped to shape our country. Memorial Day is a time to do just that, to remember those who have served and sacrificed.
Moses Barker was born to Ebenezer and Abigail Barker of Methuen MA in 1737. Moses, along with his father Ebenezer, served in the colonial military units during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). He served in Captain William Barron’s Company from May to December of 1760 throughout New England and Quebec. He served with his brother Enoch Barker, who died at the Isle de Noux.
Moses didn’t stray from his sense of duty or his stubborn New England determination. Though a farmer by trade, in 1775 he fought again but this time for the independence as a Minuteman in the Revolutionary War. 1st Lieutenant Barker was part of the Continental line, seeing action at Lexington with the Mass Militia.
As a Revolutionary War hero, Moses and his wife Lydia went by two wheeled ox cart from Massachusetts to Italy Hill, New York where the family increased to thirteen. He cleared land, hewed logs, built buildings and made a living for his family. In the Barker Italy Naples Cemetery are the graves of LT. Moses Barker, and his descendants.
I find it amazing that in a particularly difficult time in rugged, Colonial New England, when called to serve there was no hesitation from this man or his family. Their actions helped to shape our country. Memorial Day is a time to do just that, to remember those who have served and sacrificed.