Iredell County, NC Barkers

A chance encounter through my work recently gave me reason to explore Love Valley in Iredell County. The person I was speaking with had Barkers in his family by marriage, and he said the founder of Love Valley was a well-known Barker. He was in fact Jeter (Jetter) Andrew Barker who died in 2011. The name "Jeter" made me take especial notice since my dad and grandfather were both Jeter. It's not all that common, and I have never known how it happened to begin appearing in our family. I am no closer to a real answer, but I did find a bit of information. I recall that about the same time my family moved from VA to Wake County other Barkers in VA moved to Iredell County. I don't recall anything more than that, but it will bear exploration because of that naming pattern. Here's what I found right off the bat this morning. The names Howell and Gillam which appear in the sources are likewise vaguely reminiscent of Virginia Barkers.

https://www.journalnow.com/news/local/andy-barker-founder-of-love-valley-dies/article_9aff0405-137c-5265-b963-5c2dc3561d03.html

John T. Edwards + Martha Jane Covington
(Rev.) Reuben Howell Washington Barker + Jo Alice Edwards
or Rubin Howe Washington Barker
(https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/42/?name=Hailey_Barker&death=_TX)
(https://www.myheritage.com/names/jo_barker)
31 August 1844 Iredell County- 12 July 1928 Randolph County
married 1881
children:
William H Barker 1881-1962
Simon C Barker 1822-1937
Tom Derr Barker 1886-1978
Felice Barker Barkley 1894-1964
Jetter Andrew Barker 1897-1978
Julia Barker Williams 1898-1991
Alice Ophelia Barker 1904-1905
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145907728/jeter-andrew-barker

Jetter Andrew Barker (1897-1978) + Mary Elizabeth Hunnicutt (1905-1991)
Jetter Andrew Barker (1924-2011)
Alice Barker Gordon

Jetter Andrew Barker Jr + Elenora Spratt
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74881643/jetter-andrew-barker
BARKER LOVE VALLEY, NC - Andy Barker July 4, 1924 - August 11, 2011 Jetter Andrew "Andy" Barker, Jr., founder of North Carolina's Cowboy Capital, Love Valley, has passed away at the age of 87. With his health declining in recent months, and more rapidly in recent weeks, Andy was admitted to Gordon Hospice House of Statesville on Saturday. He died Thursday, August 11, 2011, with family at his side. A native of Mecklenburg County, Andy was a distinguished military veteran, contractor, and philanthropist. His most distinguished work, however, came in 1954 when he fulfilled his dream of founding an Old West-style town. Founded in 1954 and incorporated in 1963, Love Valley has become the destination of horse lovers, tourist and outdoor enthusiast for nearly 60 years. With Love Valley Presbyterian Church as its anchor, the community has evolved from a dream to an iconic North Carolina community. Though he made two unsuccessful attempts to become our governor, at his passing Andy was the oldest seated and most tenured mayor in the history of North Carolina. He is also listed in the Who?s Who of America, the Mayors Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Southeastern Rodeo Hall of Fame. He was the Co-Founder and President of the Southeastern Rodeo Association and Founder of the Chickasaw Horse Association. Andy was predeceased by his son, Jetter "Jet" Andrew Barker, III. He is survived by his wife, Ellenora Spratt Barker, his daughter, Tonda Barker Trivette and her husband Ron, and his former daughter-in-law, Cindy Barker Allison. He is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses: Jeffrey Allen Smith and his wife Kim of Clinton, SC; Angela Smith Stringer and her husband Maynard of Sarasota, FL; Jetter Andrew "Drew" Barker IV of Love Valley; and Victoria Allison Barker of Love Valley. Andy was also blessed with four great grandchildren: Mary Grace and Holt Smith of Clinton, SC; Sam Stringer of Sarasota, FL; and Skye Greene Barker of Love Valley. He is also survived by his loving sister, Alice Barker Gordon and her husband Bill, and nephews of Charlotte, NC. And his Love Valley family. The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Andy's life on Sunday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m., on Main Street in Love Valley. We will celebrate Andy with a barbeque and covered dish gathering. Barbeque will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. On Monday there will be a private graveside service for family members only. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Andy?s honor to the Love Valley Building Fund, for the Future Museum, Town Hall and Library which will showcase the history of Love Valley and the many accomplishments of its founder. Arrangements are being handled through Nicholson Funeral Home.

Possible lineage:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130275422/howell-barker