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11/30/2018 11:00 PMAs a 17 year old farmhand, he talked about his “station in life” being extremely limited. Unlike his friends, college was not an option (see Part III). However, instead of sinking into jealousy and despair, he resolved to make sure he didn’t “remain in ignorance”. Four days after the party * “ I bought me a slate and arithmetic” * When the winter school term began for the older students in December... * “I went to school... I am very backward in my studies” * Perhaps it was a bit intimidating for Llewellyn to take his seat in the class among younger students like his friends Will Leete and Jenny Dudley. The next day ,,, * “I went to school... I had to do sum on the black board in fractions... I like it very well... have some fun”
Llewellyn attended these winter school sessions for three years when his work as a hired hand on his cousin’s farm allowed. Below are a few entries that illustrate his school efforts * “Will Leete and I are going to speak a Dialogue with Jenny Dudley” “us boys recited our pieces that we are a going to speak tonight... In the evening I took a beet for a candel stick and went to spelling school... I spelt better then I thought I would... the school house was crowded full... I felt some what embarassed to speak before them all but I done it” “In the evening I went to the spelling school... we had a good time... our piece was very good...the house was crowded” “today is the last day of school ...I am sorry ...we had some fun” ** In his twenties, he continued his education, although in a less formal way, through self-study and expanded involvement in his church, the First Congregational Church of Branford. ** All of these efforts eventually paid off for him. In 1897 this life-long laborer would take his seat on the Branford Board of Education alongside members of the educational elite of the community including doctors, ministers and other leading citizens. They eventually elected him board chairman. Llewellyn found a way to ensure his daughters had a better education than he did. His obituary stated he was among Branford’s “most highly-respected citizens”. The rise of this remarkable man and his educational journey is one of the major themes explored in the book. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ted Braun's book “The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens” is based on Llewellyn Barker’s diaries and is available for $30 at the Blackstone Library in Branford. Richly illustrated, it traces not only the history of a family but also of the town and the nation. Details at
https://tedbraun135.wixsite.com/barkers-of-branford