Ma Barker, born Kate Barker on October 8, 1873, was known as the matriarch of the infamous Barker-Karpis gang. During the “public enemy era,” criminals were like modern-day celebrities, gaining attention from the press and the public. While Ma Barker didn’t fit the typical image of a gangster, her sons adored her, and together, they caused chaos across the country.
Barker’s Early Life and Family Troubles
Ma Barker, originally named Arizona Clark, married George Barker in 1892. They had four sons: Herman, Lloyd, Arthur, and Fred, who all became involved in crime. The Barker family’s involvement in robberies, kidnappings, and forgery made them infamous.
Herman, the eldest, passed away after a car crash in 1927. He had been involved in a police chase following a robbery. His passing marked a turning point for the family, with the other boys soon finding themselves in and out of prison
Rise of the Barker-Karpis Gang
Fred Barker was released from prison in 1931 and quickly teamed up with Alvin Karpis to form the Barker-Karpis gang. Ma Barker traveled with the gang and began taking an active role in their criminal activities. They moved from robbery to large-scale kidnappings, targeting wealthy businessmen for ransom.