Barker, Elliott S. (Elliott Speer), 1886-1988

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New Mexico conservationist and author. Barker worked for the U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and was involved in the donation of Smokey Bear to the National Zoo. He published poetry and memoirs of his wilderness experiences.

From the description of Elliott S. Barker papers, 1916-1988. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 47261363

Barker was a U.S. Forest Ranger and rancher in northern New Mexico before serving as State Game Warden from 1931 to 1953. He also published five books on his experiences as a hunter and game warden, as well as two volumes of cowboy poetry.

From the description of Elliott S. Barker collection : photocopies, 1976-1981. (Museum of New Mexico Library). WorldCat record id: 37518606

From the guide to the Elliot S. Barker Collection, 1976-1981, (Museum of New Mexico. Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.)

Elliott Speer Barker was born on Christmas Day 1886 in Moran, Texas, to Squire and Priscilla Barker. Barker was one of eleven children born to the family, which included siblings S. Omar Barker and Grace Barker Wilson. The family pioneered from Texas to New Mexico by covered wagon in 1889. They eventually settled outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Barker was home educated until the fifth grade and attended school at Las Vegas, New Mexico through high school. He took a six-month photography course in Effingham, Illinois, and worked briefly as a portrait photographer

From 1908-1909 Barker worked as a professional hunter and guide. From 1909-1919 he worked for the U. S. Forest Service as a ranger and supervisor. For several years he worked at ranching until 1931, when he became Director of the Department of Game and Fish. Barker served in this capacity for 22 years. In 1950 Barker donated Smokey Bear, the bear cub rescued from the Capitan, New Mexico fire, to the U. S. Forest Service on behalf of the State Department of Game and Fish. Barker traveled with the bear to his new home in Washington, D. C.

Barker was the executive secretary of the New Mexico Wildlife and Conservation Association from 1959 to 1966. He published a book of poems and several books about his wilderness experiences including When the Dogs Bark 'Treed' and Beatty's Cabin .

In 1911, Barker married Ethel M. Arnold. They had three children: Roy E. Barker, Florence Giers, and Dorothy Elmore.

Barker died April 3, 1988 in Santa Fe, he was 101.

From the guide to the Elliott S. Barker Papers, 1916-1988, (Archives and Special Collections, New Mexico State University Library)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Barker, Elliott S. (Elliott Speer), 1886-1988. Elliott S. Barker papers, 1916-1988. New Mexico State University
creatorOf Elliot S. Barker Collection, 1976-1981 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
referencedIn Socorro County Wildlife and Conservation Association. Socorro County Wildlife and Conservation Association records, 1959-1969. New Mexico State Library
creatorOf Elliott S. Barker Papers, 1916-1988 Archives and Special Collections Department. New Mexico State University.
creatorOf Barker, Elliott S. (Elliott Speer), 1886-1988. Elliott S. Barker collection : photocopies, 1976-1981. Museum of New Mexico Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Augustini, Juan Maria person
associatedWith Augustini, Juan Maria. person
associatedWith Barker family family
associatedWith Barker family. family
associatedWith Burttram, Glen W. person
associatedWith Burttram, Glen W. person
associatedWith Rio Grande Historical Collections. corporateBody
associatedWith Socorro County Wildlife and Conservation Association. corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Pecos Wilderness (N.M.)
Pecos Wilderness (N.M.)
Spring Mountain (N.M.)
New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico
Spring Mountain (N.M.)
Subject
Conservationists
Forest rangers
Game wardens
Game wardens
Hunters
Hunters
Smokey Bear
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife management
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1886

Death 1988-04-03

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