John Riley Barker was born January 20, 1881 in Escambia County, Alabama, one of eight children born to Warren and Florence (Kelly) Barker.  The Barker family moved in 1883 to the Bluff Spring Community of Escambia County, Florida, and later into Pensacola.  John Riley Barker started working for the railroad at a young age, retiring as an engineer with L&N Railroad.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and member of the St. Mark’s Methodist Church.

Famlily story says John Riley Barker was married three times.  From Escambia county marriage records, John Barker married Della Kittrell (February 9, 1885-July 5, 1912).  They were the parents of several children.  John Riley Barker next married Helen Theresa Peters.  The third wife of John Barker was to Mrs. Alice Deas (English) Stiggins.

                John Riley Barker was the father to six known children: Marie Barker married Mr. Chandler, settling in San Diego; Margaret Barker lived with her sister in San Diego; one daughter married William J. Harris, settling in Washington D..C.; sons John M. Barker, Warren K. Barker and Eddie Barker (the known Atlanta and Pensacola newspaper columnist).

                John Riley Barker died August 18, 1960.  His obituary is in the Journal, Friday, August 19, 1960.  He is buried next to his third wife Alice Deas Barker.  Both wonderful people and missed by many.