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Voltaire Barker

Birth	:	29 Sep 1881 Nelson, Nuckolls County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	6 Oct 1918 France
Burial	:	Nelson Cemetery, Nelson, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.2056084, -98.0791702
Plot	:	Block 16, Lot 27
Inscription	:	Co D 411th TELE BAT Killed in action Argonne Forest, France
Description	:	Mrs. Mary Barker is in Nelson arranging for the burial of her son Voltaire, whose body will reach here Saturday. Voltaire was killed in the World war (sic) October 6th. The funeral will be at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Park, conducted by the American Legion Post of this place. Many of these boys are friends and old acquaintances of the deceased who was born and raised in Nelson. The Selma (Clif.) Republican of date November 9, had the following: "The war is going along fine, and every one thinks it will end before the first of the... Read More	Mrs. Mary Barker is in Nelson arranging for the burial of her son Voltaire, whose body will reach here Saturday. Voltaire was killed in the World war (sic) October 6th. The funeral will be at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Park, conducted by the American Legion Post of this place. Many of these boys are friends and old acquaintances of the deceased who was born and raised in Nelson. The Selma (Clif.) Republican of date November 9, had the following: "The war is going along fine, and every one thinks it will end before the first of the year." These are the closing words of Chauffeur Voltaire Barker, in a letter written to his mother, just a few hours before his death, which was officially announced in the casualty list this morning. The mother, Mrs. M.C. Barker of this city, has been bravely carrying her burden for several days since the receipt of a private message from the government, which announced that his death had occurred in action on October 6. Her soldier boy was the last of three sons. The two others had been killed by accident on separate occasions, and the blue star in the service flag in the window reflected the faint hope which mother love entertained that the first message was a mistake until his name appeared in the casualty list today. In the days to follow as she looks upon the gold star of her service flag, the mother can find much to comfort her in thoughtfulness of her son through the excitement of battle for he always wrote to her regularly. Among her treasured possessions is a letter written her on October 4, and another on October 5, which were the two days preceding his death. Those letters breathe the true spirit of a faithful soldier, for they are full of tender concern for his friend and comrade who had been wounded, but who was coming out without serious injuries. Also the letters give little glimpses that tell of the thick of battle, where the signal men worked among the hail of bullets to keep up constant communication with the advanced positions of the army in the successful drives against the enemy. Barker was a member of the Reserve Corps, Company D., 41st Telegraph Btn., Signal Corps, and was driving a truck up to the front line trenches when killed. He formerly worked with the telephone company in this valley, and entered service from Hanford. He belonged to the Odd Fellows lodge of Fresno. The Nelson Gazette (Nelson, NE), Thursday, September 8, 1921; pg. 7 ======= SOLDIER AT REST The body of Prvt. (sic) Voltaire Barker reached Nelson Saturday night from Omaha. The funeral service was held in the Park Sunday afternoon, where a large crowd assembled to do honor to him who had given his life for liberty. At three o'clock the body was taken from the home of W.T. Bottenfield to the park, the procession being led by the Nelson band, and the American Legion Post members who appeared in uniform. The acting pallbearers wre also Legion boys. The service at the park was opened with a song by the Male Quartet. Rev. C. Bridges then read from the Word and led in prayer. This was followed by another quartet, "Rest, Soldier Rest," after which Rev. V.E. Shirley gave a most impressive address on The Price of Peace. The speaker pointed out that while wars at times could not be avoided, yet war in itsself (sic) did not settle a controversy. The survivors of the war must be a different people than they were before and nations must be different if peace is to prevail. At the close of this part of the service, the band again led the way and to the strain of the funeral dirge the procession slowly wended its way to the cemetery. Here the Legion conducted the ritualistic service customary at military funerals. Voltaire Barker was the third and last son of Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Barker whose life had been taken by accidental death. William was killed in the switch yards at Denver a few years ago, and Joseph was dragged to death while the family lived here in Nelson, when a young lad, while herding, getting tangled up in a lariat rope. Voltaire was born September 29, 1881, in Nelson, and was killed at the front October 6, 1918. He was a member of the Reserve Corps Co. D, 411st Telegraph Btn. Signal Corps. He enlisted at Hanford, California. Deceased is survived by the bereaved mother who is the only member left of the family. The Nelson Gazette (Nelson, NE), Thursday, September 15, 1921; pg. 1

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Voltaire Barker's memorial?
Voltaire Barker's memorial is located at: Nelson Cemetery, Nelson, Nuckolls County, USA.
When did Voltaire Barker death?
Voltaire Barker death on 6 Oct 1918 in France
Where are the coordinates of the Voltaire Barker's memorial?
Latitude: 40.2056084
Longitude: -98.0791702

Family Members:

Parent

Daniel W. Barker

(1851 - 1889)

Mary Cordelia Mayfield Barker

(1858 - 1939)

Siblings

Joseph L. Barker

(1875 - 1887)

William B. Barker

(1877 - 1902)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Nelson Cemetery
Nelson, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2056084, -98.0791702

2. Oxbow Cemetery
Nelson, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2560997, -98.0280991

3. Salem Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1255989, -98.0658035

4. Smith Cemetery
Nelson, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3078003, -98.0567017

5. Nora Cemetery
Nora, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1394005, -97.9705963

6. Union Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3146706, -98.1236877

7. Phil R Landon Gravesite
Angus, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2703200, -97.9553200

8. Beulah Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1324997, -98.1986008

9. Sacred Heart Cemetery
Lawrence, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2921982, -98.2268982

10. Saint Stephens Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2544899, -98.2562485

11. Assumption Church Cemetery
Deweese, Clay County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3507000, -98.1324000

12. Hannum Graves
Lawrence, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3456500, -98.1766800

13. Oak Grove Cemetery
Oak, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2326889, -97.8739471

14. Liberty Creek Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3361015, -98.2035980

15. Zion Cemetery
Webster County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2277985, -98.2921982

16. Beaver Creek Cemetery
Webster County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1617012, -98.2882996

17. Evergreen Cemetery
Superior, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.0374985, -98.0650024

18. Bostwick Cemetery
Bostwick, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.0536118, -98.1801071

19. Evergreen Cemetery
Lawrence, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2922401, -98.2723236

20. Edgar Cemetery
Edgar, Clay County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3587200, -97.9700200

21. Spring Creek Cemetery
Ruskin, Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1258011, -97.8756027

22. Saint Martin-Loucky Cemetery
Deweese, Clay County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3652496, -98.1948624

23. Mount Zion Cemetery
Nuckolls County, USA
Coordinate: 40.1974983, -97.8397522

24. OBanion Cemetery
Blue Hill, Webster County, USA
Coordinate: 40.2850000, -98.3020000