My Genealogy Hound

Roscoe Usher Barker, prosecuting attorney of the Eleventh judicial circuit of Indiana, was born at McPherson, Kan., November 2, 1879, the son of Daniel O. and Alice B. (Doss) Barker, a review of whom precedes this article. Roscoe U. Barker was reared in the city of Mt. Vernon, where his parents located when he was six years of age. His early education was gained in the schools of the city and subsequently he entered the literary department of the Indiana University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1901. He received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1907. He engaged in teaching in the school year 1901-2 in Mt. Vernon, and was principal of the grammar school during the years 1902-3-4 and 1905. From 1905 until 1907 he was in the office of Baker & Zimmerman, of which his father was the senior member. In the last named year he commenced the active practice of law, although admitted to the bar in 1901. He formed with his father, in 1909, the firm of Barker & Barker, an association which lasted but one year, his father’s death occurring in 1910. He was appointed to his present office on March 1, 1913, by Governor Ralston, for a term of two years, his circuit, the Eleventh, comprising Posey county, having been cut down by the making of Gibson county a separate circuit in 1913. Since attaining his majority he has taken an active part in the political affairs of his home city and county. He is president of the Democratic Central Committee of Mt. Vernon, and is influential in the councils of his party. He has attained the Council degrees in Masonry and is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is exalted ruler. Mr. Barker is recognized as not only one of the coming men of the Indiana State bar, but as one of the progressive citizens of Mt. Vernon who are using their best efforts toward the growth and development of their city.