Barbara Rose Ellett was born March 12, 1937, in the old Hoadley Mansion in Stinesville, Monroe County, Indiana. Her parents were Charles Homer and Blanche Elizabeth (Baker) Ellett. Her maternal grandparents were Sherman and Sarah Lucy Evaline (Stewart) Baker; her paternal grandparents were W. A. Gorman and Mary Gettysburg “Getty” (Payton) Ellett.
Barbara grew up and spent her childhood in Stinesville surrounded by many cousins on both sides of her family. At an early age she began writing and was first published when she was only 11 years of age. By the 1970’s her stories were widely published in literary magazines in both in the U. S. and overseas.
Eventually Barbara married James Raymond Daniels with whom she had three children: Debra Rae, Patrick James and David Eugene. Her second husband was Roy D. Dail, Sr., who had three sons by a prior marriage: Roy D., Jr., Douglas Jerome and David Nelson. The family settled in Arkansas.
It was while living in Arkansas in 1998 that Barbara wrote and privately published her autobiography, a slim volume of only 72 pages. Although small in size, it is rich in pictures and detail about Stinesville people, places and events.
Several years ago I purchased the book for fifty cents. Because of its small size, it became lost among the larger books in my library. Recently I discovered it while rearranging my library shelves and took the time to read through it. It was so interesting that I knew others, particularly those who grew up around Stinesville, would also find it of interest. But when I checked to determine where it might be available and in what libraries, I found to book to be practically nonexistent.
So, folks, I’ve decided to donate this little jewel of a book to the library at the Monroe County History Center. It’s there on the shelves for everyone to enjoy. But remember it is small and easily lost. If you can’t find it, check with the library director for assistance.
Blog post by Randi Richardson
Debra Daniels Dail