On January 8, 1897, Minnie married John George Lumpkins in Shawnee County, Kansas. Together they had six children: Phoebe Ethel, Emma Mabel, William Earl, Irwin Roy, Marion Edmond, and John Andrew. Emma Mabel and William Earl both died in childhood.
John G. Lumpkins was a barber in Topeka. Heading home one evening he slipped on ice and hit his head. He died the following day on his 38th birthday (February 24, 1910). Minnie, who was pregnant with John Andrew, moved with the children to her parents' home. In October 1910, her father also passed away.
On October 27, 1914, Minnie married Joseph Barber in Russell County, Kansas. Together they had four sons: Vuferd, Virgil, Joseph, and Vernon. All four served in the armed forces after WWII broke out.
Minnie's husband Joseph passed away on April 16, 1945, which was shortly after the death of President Franklin Roosevelt. The Barber sons, who were in the military, received the day off to mourn the president's passing. They were unaware that they were also mourning the loss of their father.
Minnie's birthday in April became the focal point for an annual Lumpkins Barber family reunion held at Webster State Park in Kansas. She passed away in November 1973.
The tradition of a family reunion moved to Memorial Day weekend and still continues in her honor.
On January 8, 1897, Minnie married John George Lumpkins in Shawnee County, Kansas. Together they had six children: Phoebe Ethel, Emma Mabel, William Earl, Irwin Roy, Marion Edmond, and John Andrew. Emma Mabel and William Earl both died in childhood.
John G. Lumpkins was a barber in Topeka. Heading home one evening he slipped on ice and hit his head. He died the following day on his 38th birthday (February 24, 1910). Minnie, who was pregnant with John Andrew, moved with the children to her parents' home. In October 1910, her father also passed away.
On October 27, 1914, Minnie married Joseph Barber in Russell County, Kansas. Together they had four sons: Vuferd, Virgil, Joseph, and Vernon. All four served in the armed forces after WWII broke out.
Minnie's husband Joseph passed away on April 16, 1945, which was shortly after the death of President Franklin Roosevelt. The Barber sons, who were in the military, received the day off to mourn the president's passing. They were unaware that they were also mourning the loss of their father.
Minnie's birthday in April became the focal point for an annual Lumpkins Barber family reunion held at Webster State Park in Kansas. She passed away in November 1973.
The tradition of a family reunion moved to Memorial Day weekend and still continues in her honor.
Family Members
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Phoebe Ethel Lumpkins Trexler
1897–1967
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Emma Mabel Lumpkins
1899–1904
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William Earl Lumpkins
1901–1903
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Irwin Roy Lumpkins
1904–1988
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Marion Edmond Lumpkins
1907–1998
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John Andrew Lumpkins
1910–1980
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Vuferd Lee Barber
1915–2001
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Virgil Lester Barber
1917–2001
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Joseph Henry "Joe" Barber
1919–2003
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Vernon Nathan Barber
1922–2005
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