Brigadier-General Ellison Capers, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 5, South Carolina
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

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[446] on Morris and Sullivan islands, until the fall of Sumter. In May, upon the organization of the Hampton legion under Col. Wade Hampton, he became adjutant of the command, and accompanied it to Virginia. He was with the legion in the battle of First Manassas, and continued upon the staff of Major-General Hampton through all the latter's promotions until near the close of the war. When Hampton was promoted brigadier-general after the Seven Days campaign, Lieutenant Barker was promoted to captain and assistant adjutant and inspector-general, and when his chief became major-general he was appointed adjutant-general of the division, with the rank of major. His field of duty with Hampton's cavalry was one of the utmost importance and afforded opportunity for the frequent demonstration of soldierly gallantry, as well as the administrative ability necessary to success in his position. He participated in nearly all the engagements and famous forays of the command, including the battles of Brandy Station and Trevilian's. At Burgess' Mill, October 28, 1864, he was severely wounded and disabled for two months, a ball passing through his hip and striking the spine; and at Cheraw, February, 1865, he was wounded by a fragment of shell. When peace was restored he resumed his law practice at Charleston, as a partner of Col. Charles H. Simonton, and continued in this profession until his retirement in 1890; and after a retirement of two years he resumed practice in 1893. In 1874 he became interested in rice planting on Cooper river, and his interests there and on the Edisto gradually became quite extensive and profitable. During the lawless period of 1869 to 1876 he was prominent in efforts for the maintenance of order, being the first president of the Carolina Rifle club in 1869. This organization became at once a popular model, and the clubs of the State were subsequently organized under General Conner. During the riots of September, 1876, Major Barker rendered service of great value to the city. In 1866 he was a member of the legislature, in 1876 he took an active part in advocating the election of General Hampton as governor, and during the subsequent legal campaign for the office he was one of the counsel for the Democratic party. In the Democratic national convention of 1880 he was one of the four delegates from the State at large.