Arizona Donnie Clark; October 8, 1873 January 16, 1935), better known as Ma Barker (and sometimes known as Arizona Barker and Arrie Barker), was the mother of several American criminals who ran the BarkerKarpis Gang during the "public enemy era" when the exploits of gangs of criminals in the Midwestern United States gripped the American people and press. This was because the local police were in on the action, often tipping criminals off when the FBI was onto them. The crunch came when George refused to support Lloyd after his arrest, insisting that he should be punished for his crime. $Zm:T==v6]kC}Vz}oq3')$?W08A .XBgFp"QY*H"8#'j ~)IelQNQqT*N3Qii4vZ|TX*eQE=zs1|e^YvrNTl}]4q~ZQNMrEy}vJTe'D/zf%A,"S! They later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma around the time Herman completed his grade school education. Continued on Pago IIS Column U Local Secret Orders BELIEVE , list of public enemies. In 2016, the Florida house where she died was relocated via barge to Carney Island and is now a museum, complete with the original furniture and bullet holes. August 13, 1932 Attorney J. Earl Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma found killed at Indian Hills Country Club north of Tulsa; he had been retained to defend Harvey Bailey over the Fort Scott bank robbery, but the man was convicted. January 18, 1932 Lloyd Barker received at Leavenworth Prison. They were a bunch of criminal misfits, drawn together by friendship, family, and a thirst for easy money. Herman died on August 29, 1927 in Wichita, Kansas, after a robbery and confrontation with police that left one officer dead. June 10, 1931 Fred Barker and Alvin Karpis (alias George Heller) arrested by Tulsa, Oklahoma Police investigating burglary. These grand gestures were often successful in getting sentences terminated - or at least greatly reduced. Some say she was no more than a common hillbilly woman, others claim she was the mastermind of the entire Barker-Karpis Gang, who stole more money than John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, and Vern Miller combined, notes author Chris Enss and left a trail of nearly a dozen . Barker was born Arizona Donnie Clark in Ash Grove, Missouri, the daughter of John and Emaline (Parker) Clark; her family called her "Arrie".In 1892, she married George Barker in Lawrence County, Missouri, and the couple had four sons: Herman (1893-1927), Lloyd (1897-1949), Arthur (1899-1939), and Fred (1901-1935). He added, "she wasn't a leader of criminals or even a criminal herself.". 1 0 obj Fred and Arthur Barker, along with Alvin Karpis, robbed a string of banks across the Midwest in 1932 (per Biography), resulting in the killings of more officers and a civilian (viaMinnPost). According to Karpis (per Crime and Investigation), her motherly persona was a huge asset. We're 100% free for everything!' . From 1927 to 1930, Kate Barker lived alone in what author Tim Mahoney describes in his book "Secret Partners" as a "dirt-floor shack" in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before they met him, the gang were nothing more than a "bumbling band of hillbilly burglars" who would have been captured or killed long before becoming nationally notorious. Geneanet. Short, blue-eyed, and dark-featured, George was quiet, as per Biography, and lacked the ambition Kate wanted, allowing her to dominate the relationship, notes the Kansas City Star. [6] He concluded: The most ridiculous story in the annals of crime is that Ma Barker was the mastermind behind the KarpisBarker gang. Heres how she became the FBIs most wanted mother of the 1930s. He shot the officer at point blank range in the mouth. Unknown Harker married Unknown Woman c1910 Parents of . [5], Ma's common-law husband Arthur Dunlop was said to be loose-lipped when drunk, and he was not trusted by members of the gang; Karpis described him as a "pain in the ass". /XObject << /R13 6 0 R /R15 7 0 R /R17 8 0 R /R19 9 0 R >> >> Ma Barker was born on October 8, 1873, deep in the Missouri Ozarks in a town that was barely a town called Ash Grove. [2] The FBI claimed that George left Ma because she had become "loose in her moral life" and was "having outside dates with other men". NOTE: In 1977 there was a character called Syd Harker but whether he was said to be a relation to Pat and Janie in the episodes is unknown. A strong-willed matriarch who allegedly helped organize her sons' crimes, Kate Barker better known as "Ma" Barker was killed after a four-hour gun battle with FBI agents in Ocklawaha, Florida in 1935. She is the mother of four sons, all criminals who ran the Barker Gang. Missouri. This is an old English family. Either she threw him out, as some say, or he left when life became intolerable with his criminal family. Family Tree . by Elford H. Messer 1994 . Anderson', she rented houses, paid bills, shopped, and did household errands. [citation needed], Both bodies were found in the same front bedroom. >> January 8, 1935 Arthur "Doc" Barker arrested in Chicago; Barker gang member, January 16, 1935 Fred and Ma Barker killed by FBI in Ocklawaha, Florida (Marion County). This may have been when she became "loose" with local men, as the FBI suggested. Although she stood only5-feet 4-inches tall, notes Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in "Ma Barker," she made a lasting impression on those who met her. Dunlap found at Lake Franstead, Minnesota; killed by Fred Barker and Alvin Karpis. Barker didnt discourage her sons from their criminal enterprises, nor did she discipline them. 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My interest was further piqued because Arizona Clark had been born in Greene Co., MO, and my mother and I had both been born in Greene Co. George and Arizona Barker had also spent time in Stone Co., MO, where my father had been born. 12 0 obj /FontDescriptor 11 0 R /CapHeight 694 Kate enjoyed the mingling a little too much, and the FBI alleges she cheated on her husband and frequented speakeasies and nightclubs with questionable individuals who showered her with gifts. [12] Their bodies were put on public display, and then stored unclaimed until October 1, 1935, when relatives had them buried at Williams Timberhill Cemetery in Welch, Oklahoma, next to the body of Herman Barker. My people in this country originate from James Barker of Rowley, Massa chusetts. in Ocklawaha, Florida , United States, This form allows you to report an error or to submit additional information about this family tree: Fred BARKER (1901), Biography from Wikipedia (see original) under licence CC BY-SA 3.0. The Ma Barker Story. Add. /Type /ExtGState The . Gal'in?er, l Agents Kill Pair After 4-Hour Gun Fight At "Hang-Out" in Florida 66, Oct 8 1873 - Ash Grove, Greene County, Missouri, USA, Jan 16 1935 - Ocklawaha, Marion County, Florida, USA, Lecty A. Clark, Jessie Clark, Eva Mae Clark, Beretta M. Reynolds, Herman Barker, Lloyd William Barker, Frederick G Barker, Barber, Jan 16 1935 - Barker hideout, Lake Weir, FL, USA, Herman Barker, Lloyd William Barker, Arthur R. Barker, Frederick G. Barker, Willmer Barker, Oct 8 1873 - Ash Grove, Greene, Missouri, United States, Jan 16 1935 - Lake Weir, Marion, Florida, United States, Herman Barker, Lloyd William Barker, Arthur Raymond Barker, Frederick G. Barker, k, Eva Mae Hays (born Clark), Baretta M Reynolds, Lulu Ophia Reynolds, Baby Reynolds, Chesley Winfield Reynolds, and, snd that while there they had seen ond talked With Fred and ", agents who the house ln Okla- wahn was killed or injured. In June 1933, they kidnapped William Hamm Jr. of the brewing family, getting a ransom of $100,000. View All Details . Bremer was released three . However, those who knew her insisted that she had no criminal role and also allege that Hoover created such accusations in order to excuse the FBI for her subsequent death in a shootout in 1935. endobj 1926 Fred Barker robbed bank in Winfield, Kansas; arrested. This is a beautiful area with lush vegetation and old oak trees. "[17], (Of BarkerKarpis Gang/associates: 19 arrested; 4 killed by lawmen; 3 killed by gangsters), Not to be confused with the character of the animated television series, Controversy over her leadership of the Barker gang, Summary of the Barker sons and BarkerKarpis Gang's activities. At the age of 12 she began her rap career with artist such as LL Cool J, 50 Cent, NOE from ByrdGang ,Kool G Rap and many other. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover described her as "the most vicious, dangerous, and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade.". [16], This view of Ma Barker is corroborated by notorious bank robber Harvey Bailey, who knew the Barkers well. August 1, 1927 Herman Barker cashed stolen bank bonds at the America National Bank in Cheyenne, WY. stream The family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1912. This was a success, earning them $100,000. The FBI used these clues to find a lake in Florida that boasted just such an alligator. She never much cared for the name, though, and changed it to Kate herself, notes Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in "Ma Barker." Kate Barker (born What could look more innocent?. 121122), Learn how and when to remove this template message, federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, Hoover, J. Edgar, "The Kidnapping of Edward Bremer", November 19, 1936, "Latent Prints in the 1933 Hamm Kidnapping", http://foia.fbi.gov/filelink.html?file=/barksumm/barksum1.pdf, Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture Barker Gang, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ma_Barker&oldid=1133654104. She traveled with her sons during their criminal careers. This paper focuses on the family of Richard Barker of Andover, Massachusetts, and illustrates how the Barker . The ring is presumed to have been owned by Fred Barker and it has been added to the collection along with several bullet casings and assorted paraphernalia. The Encyclopedia of Robberies, Heists, and Capers. A .45 caliber automatic pistol was found next to Freds body, and a machine gun lay at Ma Barkers left hand. According to authors Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in their book "Ma Barker," she was never arrested in connection with a crime. Allegedly, many local people came to watch the events unfolding, even holding picnics during the gunfire. Let's take a trip back in time to the very wild real-life story of Ma Barker. He was killed in a lengthy gunfight with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1935. Finally, a relative moved them . Travis Barker Family Tree Explored: Parents And Siblings Revealed. << % The red-haired, plump Kate Barker was always something of a spitfire. In 1931, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Barker graduated from Central High School in 1941. Nonetheless, her boys, described by the FBI as mostly illiterate, ran wild. Their early married life was spent in Aurora, Missouri where their four sons, Herman, Lloyd, Arthur, and Fred, were born. Ancestry is a major source of information if you are filling out the detail of Ma Barker in your family tree. According to MinnPost, there was a general understanding in St. Paul that gangsters were safe - so long as they laid low within city limits. They were inducted into major crime by the Central Park gang. Edna Murray the girlfriend of gangster Everett "Curly" Davis of Dillinger Gang fame wrote in Startling Detective Adventures Magazine that the men of the gang always followed Barker's orders. Those of its members in the United States who are of colonial ancestry may trace their lineage from four ancestors, all of whom left their English homes in the seventeenth century to try their fortunes in the splendid heritage then opening to the English race. Special agents surrounded the house at about 5:30 in the morning on Jan. 16, 1935. In a time when notorious Depression Era criminals were terrorizing the country, the Barker-Karpis Gang stole more money than mobsters John Dillinger, Vern Miller, and Bonnie and Clyde combined. That day, Hoover said, marked "the end of an era of violence." For nine months, the corpses lay unclaimed. James lived in Rowley and Southfield. The purpose was to keep her from learning much about the gang's crimes, as well as to separate her from their girlfriends, with whom she did not get along. The American musician did not get to spend much time with his mother as she was diagnosed with Sjogren . Delma Barker, Marion Barker, Versie Barker are all deaceased. In 1918, Arthur Barker and his associates stole a few cars. According to Biography, she had quite the temper and was rather stubborn. An antique car If that doesn't sound familiar, Lady Gaga later sampled the song in "Poker Face" - those famous "ma ma ma ma's" are referencing the one and only Ma Barker. The agents ordered them to surrender, but Fred opened fire; both he and his mother were killed by federal agents after an intense . Authorities believe the [] Barker was born in Darrington, Washington, and spent most of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The second kidnapping of the Barker/Karpis gang targeted a wealthy banker named Edward George Bremer, Jr., who was snatched in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 17, 1934. Her sister Janie Blakey (Nee Harker) was a recurring character. According to the Washington Post, many historians believe he was saving face, justifying the killing of an unarmed old woman after the accidental death of a civilian during the John Dillinger bust. MA 01001 Hampden County (Jul 1991 . But who was this woman, mostly known these days only by a single black-and -white photo reminiscent of a smirking, backwoods Mona Lisa? The land where it had sat since 1930 was sold by its owners. Born Arizona Clark on Oct. 8, 1873 in Ash Grove, Missouri, Ma Barker was the daughter of Scotch-Irish parents John and Emaline Clark. They noted that George was not a criminal, but he was willing to profit from his sons' crimes after their deaths by claiming their assets as next of kin. She was sent to the, The character of "Ma Jarrett" in the 1949 James Cagney film, Ma was played by Jean Harvey in 2 episodes of the TV series, "Ma Barker and Her Boys", an episode of the 1959 TV series, Barker's story was also adapted in the low-budget film, "The Ma Gantry Gang", featured in the first episode of the 1974 TV series, Another retelling of the legend occurred in the 1996 movie, Maw Famon and her thug sons who battle it out with. Yorkshire had the highest population of Barker families . Shortly after, Fred Barkerwas released from prison in 1931 and, per Biography, brought home a friend: former cellmate Alvin Karpis. Inside The Turbulent Antebellum Period And What Really Happened Before The Civil War, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. The troubles started small - rocks thrown through windows, wallets stolen from pockets at church - but soon escalated to greater and greater misdeeds. Most viewed outlaws with fear, but to many poor folks they represented the idea of the commoner taking a piece of the pie, and they became underdog heroes (via Mental Floss). She gladly received all the ill-gotten gifts her boys bought her, including fur coats, jewelry, and silverware, notes Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in "Ma Barker." Wikimedia CommonsBorn Arizona Clark, Ma Barker raised four sons whose crimes made the family Americas most wanted gang. Why The FBI Thought Ma Barker Was Americas Most Dangerous Mind In The 1930s. In 1892, she married George E. Barker and began using the first name Kate. In 1840 there were 403 Barker families living in New York. << Com a sua morte sendo bastante explorada pela imprensa sensacionalista, Ma Barker tornou-se "lenda" da crnica policial . In 1977, the disco band Boney M released the danceable song "Ma Baker," which features lyrics based on her life. -- 1 sheet ; 11 x 15 cm Sources of the history -Origin of the family - Landmarks and heirlooms -- Signs and abbreviations -- Descendants of Robert Barker -- Descendants of John Barker Also a set of twins that passed away at birth Donny Ray and Donna Kay Barker. Ocala, Florida. While in St. Paul, Kate and her boys frequented the Green Lantern Saloon, writes Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in "Ma Barker." In 1999 using rap name Sha-Queen her single hit 15 on the Billboard charts. Brothers and Ma Barker, and their think tank, do not forget about the old fishing - robbing banks. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. II (1319). In 1928, Lloyd Barker was incarcerated in the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, Arthur "Doc" Barker was in the Oklahoma State Prison, and Fred was in the Kansas State Prison. According to writer Miriam Allen deFord, George "gave up completely and quietly removed himself from the scene" after Herman's death and the imprisonment of his other sons. A search of his apartment revealed a map of Florida and a partially burned letter that mentioned a man-eating local alligator named "Old Joe." (Herman and Lloyd Barker reportedly involved with the. McCord of Northwest Airways Company, thinking he was a policeman. She is described as his wife on the 1930 census of Tulsa, Oklahoma. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover described her as the most vicious, dangerous, and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade. However, Barkers sons and other members of the Barker-Karpis gang denied that Ma played a crucial role in planning their many robberies, kidnappings, and murders. (/A/y/n/c/M/B/z/o/d/C/p/e/E/r/g/F/s/h/G/t/i/S/H/u/T/k/J/w/l/a/V/K/x/m/W/parenleft/parenright/space/hyphen/period) New York had the highest population of Barker families in 1840. Gangster Movie (1970)Director: Bill Karn Writing Credits: F. Paul HallCast: Lurene TuttleMa Barker and her four sons terrorize the 1930s South and Midwest wi. [ Ref ] [ Ref] He married second Mary Unknown. [6] According to Claire Bond Potter, "Her age and apparent respectability permitted the gang to hide out 'disguised' as a family. Next, the gang successfully carried out the kidnapping of two local businessmen, netting $100,000 in ransom for the abduction of William Hamm and $200,000 after arranging the kidnapping of Edward Bremer. The gangster period thrived until Ma Barker and Creepy Karpis grew brazen. So stick around, see. 11 0 obj She held at least five different aliases over the years and may have helped stash goods, launder money, and, per the Orlando Sentinel, case banks. The gang left a swath of crime and violence "What could look more innocent?". Arthur was released from prison in 1932 and joined Fred and Karpis, and the core gang was supplemented by other criminal associates. The Barkers were for many centuries almost exclusively connected with Shropshire, a county equalled by few others in England as to the number of its old historic families. January 6, 1935 Barker gang member William B. Harrison killed by fellow gangsters at Ontarioville, Illinois. /FontBBox [ 0 -206 981 694 ] George was employed as a farmer at the time, but young Kate saw the promise of wealth if she stuck with him. Samuel Barker was a lineal descendant of John Barker, of Shropshire, England, who married, in 1549, Elizabeth Hill, a sister of Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London. Source: Getty Images. April 26, 1932 Body of A.W. ", "Note. "[4] Alvin Karpis was probably the real leader of the gang, and he later said that Ma was just "an old-fashioned homebody from the Ozarks superstitious, gullible, simple, cantankerous and, well, generally law abiding". This event is supposed to have awakened her desire for adventure and life outside the law. Two of the shots hit the sheriff in the heart, killing him instantly. B.M. Ma Barker died from a single bullet wound, and Freds body was riddled with bullets. We encourage you to research and examine these records to determine their . On Dec. 18, 1931, Fred and Alvin robbed a department store in West Plains, Missouri. His mother, Matilda ("Tillie") Valandra (ne Matilda Kent Tarleton), was a school teacher; his father, Byron John Barker, was the foreman on the electrical high line through . They obtained $100,000 in ransom by abducting William Hamm, then arranged the kidnapping of Edward Bremer which netted them a $200,000 ransom. Research genealogy for Mary Barker of Newland, Yorkshire, England, as well as other members of the Barker family, on Ancestry. According to Julie Thompson's "Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio," many historians believe this party was key to the Barker-Karpis Gang's transition into a big-league crime outfit. II (1313), for instance, in the Manor of Pattingham, adjacent to Worfield, John de Herdwyke was elected Bercar by the villagers in place of John Lovekyn. The name Barker is derived from the old Norman "bercer," which signified the elected herdsman of the village or manor. Sometime around 1903 or 1904, the Barker family moved to Webb City, Missouri. This was about 26% of all the recorded Barker's in United Kingdom. In 1932, Dunlop's naked body was found by a lake in Wisconsin, killed by three bullets fired at close range, as per the FBI. Among the four of them, between 1915 and 1927, they were arrested for robbery, stealing cars, and even murder, as per History. Ma Barker has inspired many films, comic books, and even songs over the years. An FBI report characterized her early life as ordinary.. Roger and Alva have been deceased for many years. 500 556 0 444 389 333 556 0 722 500 500 444 ] Karpis sentenced to 4 years but paroled after restitution made; Fred Barker also avoided jail sentence. He joined former prison-mate Alvin Karpis to form the BarkerKarpis Gang. The Barker-Karpis Gang was quickly becoming one of the deadliest criminal acts in the United States. But various details don't add up. [13], The popular image of Ma as the gang's leader and its criminal mastermind is often portrayed in films such as Ma Barker's Killer Brood (1960), Bloody Mama (1970), and Public Enemies (1996). /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] Middle Name. According to Karpis (per Mahoney), they told Kate they had sent him to Chicago with some money, but really they had paid fellow mobster Jack Peifer to shoot him, writes Judith A. Thompson in "The Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio." In September 1932, Arthur and Lloyd were released from prison and joined Fred and Alvin. The bidding began at one million dollars and included the original furnishings, but the house ultimately went unsold. advertisement. ", United States Department of Justice,Wikimedia Commons, The Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio, Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio. He was a freeman on 19 Dec 1690 in Springfield. Historian and author John Koblas declared (via Press), "You can't talk about Ma Barker without talking about Jesse James.". The pair had their first son, Herman, in 1894 (per Enss and Kazanjian in "Ma Barker"). However, this is widely regarded by historians as fictitious, and some have been skeptical that she participated in the shoot-out in which she died. What could look more innocent? Kate never punished her sons because she never believed they had done anything wrong. /Filter /FlateDecode Kate Barker's parents, Emeline and John Clark, were Scottish-Irish immigrants just trying to work their small farm and make ends meet, according to authors Chris Enss and Howard Kazanjian in their book "Ma Barker," Kate adored her father, but he died when she was just 7, and her mother remarried.