E. Florence Barker (, Whittredge; March 29, 1840 – September 11, 1897) was a leader and an activist in the American woman's club movement. She was a co-founder, charter member, and the first president of the National Woman's Relief Corps (W. R. C.), elected in July, 1883, having understood the need to negotiate cooperation with the parent organization, the Grand Army of the Republic. She was an eloquent speaker, and wrote more than a thousand letters during her administration.
Early years and education
E. Florence Whittredge was born in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, on March 29, 1840. Her parents were William A. and Mary J. (Skinner) Whittredge. She was educated in the public school of Lynnfield and at Thetford Academy in Thetford, Vermont.
Career
Pre-civil war
On June 18, 1863, she married Colonel Thomas Erskine Barker (1839-1896), of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, he being on a furlough, recovering from wounds received in the Battle of Chancellorsville during the Civil War. In July of the same year, Colonel Barker was able to resume command of his 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry regiment. His wife joined him in August at Point Lookout, Maryland, and remained at the front until the following April. Her tent was nicely decorated, and was a cheerful rendezvous for the officers. This experience gained of camp life during wartime increased her regard for the Union soldiers, whom she so often met in camp and hospitals, for she was very patriotic.
Woman's Relief Corps
After the close of the war, Colonel and Mrs. Barker settled in Malden, Massachusetts. When the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was formed, Mrs. Barker became deeply interested in its success. She joined Major-general H. G. Berry Relief Corps, auxiliary to Post No. 40, G. A. R., in May, 1879, and served as its President four years in succession. At the convention of the Department of Massachusetts W. R. C. in 1880, she was elected Department Senior Vice-President, and in 1881, was re-elected. She was chosen Department President the following year, and filled the office so acceptably that she was re-elected in 1883.
Eighteen corps were instituted during her administration. While presiding over the State convention in Boston, January, 1883, she welcomed Paul Vandervoort, of Omaha, Nebraska, Commander-in-chief of the G. A. R., and other prominent people. That the manner in which Barker reviewed the work and principles of the W. R. C. impressed Vandervoort with the value of such an auxiliary was witnessed when he officially promulgated in a general order dated February 16, 1883:— "The commander-in-chief is delighted to learn that the loyal women of the land are forming auxiliary societies everywhere. The grand work done by these organizations is worthy of the highest praise. The Woman's Relief Corps of Massachusetts is hereby particularly mentioned on account of its perfect organization and the work it has accomplished. The President of the same, Mrs. E. Florence Barker, of Maiden, Mass., will be happy to furnish information.
In general orders issued May 1, 1883, announcing the arrangements for the Seventeenth National Encampment, to be held in Denver, Colorado, July 24-28, Vandervoort cordially invited representatives of the W. R. C. and other societies working for the G. A. R. to meet at Denver and perfect a national organization, adding: "They should bring their rituals, rules, by-laws, and plans of organization, and if possible agree on a uniform mode or system of procedure throughout the country. I pledge the noble women who compose these societies that they will be warmly greeted and given all the encouragement possible. Clara Barton has promised to be present." At a meeting of the board of directors of the Department of Massachusetts, W. R. C, held in Boston, June 27, 1883, Barker, Sarah E. Fuller, and Lizabeth A. Turner were chosen delegates to represent this department at the convention in Denver. It was voted that the Department of New Hampshire be invited to unite with Massachusetts in sending delegates.