Uncle Tom Barkley

(Died 1936)

Uncle Tom Barkley was the youngest of my Mother's family.  He had come with George Barkley, to New Mexico.
He was in a terrible blizzard near Pinon.  Trying to get the sheep back to camp.  He lost his way and didn't have any matches and no knife to make kindling for a fire.  The snow was about 3 feet deep and his feet were frozen.  Dr. Gold from Weed, N. M. treated him and finally amputed both feet through the ankle joints, leaving round knuckles.  He had two pairs of artificial feet, but would never wear them.  He crawled on his hands and knees until his death in 1936.
Dr. Gilbert wanted to operate on him again and make them smooth but Uncle Tom would never let him do it.  Our Mother had never left us before and when this happened she left on horse back with Josephine with her and went to Uncle George's house where they operated on him.  My Mother always said that was a very sad time in her life.  This is told by Minnie Nations and Billye Brantley.
He lived in the camp houses at Mayhill.  Across the street from the Store and rock building.  Everyone took care of him and seen that he was take care of.

Written by Virginia Stanbrough

Retyped by Andrew Lee Bristol

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