The Jordan Family Journeys
Mina Pruitt was born on May 1,1920 in Humphrey, Nebraska. She lived on a farm with her parents and maternal grandmother, Melissa Jordan Knight, who was Mina’s primary source of information about life on the prairie as Melissa was born and raised in a pioneer family.
Mina graduated from high school in 1938 and although a recipient of several college scholarships, the economic climate of the times dictated that she enter the work force. She left Nebraska immediately after graduation and secured a position as a journalist at “The Daily Chief”, a newspaper in Perry, Iowa. Mina eventually became the Society Editor and remained with the paper until 1941. It was during her tenure at the paper that Mina wrote the novel, “The Jordans’ Journey”, basing it largely on her grandmother’s experiences.
By 1942, Mina moved to Washington, D.C. where she was an administrative assistant to Mr. Whitehead in J.Edgar Hoover’s office. In Washington, D.C., Mina met and married John F. Barry, Esq. They settled in Sayville, N.Y. where they raised seven children. Mina continued using her literary skills in her involvement in both her community and church.
By 1965, Mina had accrued her real estate license eventually becoming a broker and owning a successful agency. During this time, Mina did all the listing copy for her advertising. She ran this business until her death in 1978.
In 2014, two of Mina’s daughters, Patricia Barry Haggerty and Susan Barry Burton were asked by their brother John Barry to revise their mother’s manuscript. They authored the present book based on Mina’s original story.
Patricia Barry Haggerty is a retired NYS certified teacher. Her career spanned 33 years. After completing a Master’s degree in education, Patricia went on to obtain a New York State Reading Certificate. She also participated in a Reading/Writing Workshop under the training of Lucy Calkins at Columbia University in New York City. Patricia was also a member of the local Reading Council of Suffolk County, NY. Patricia was also twice honored at “Founders Day” in her school district. Patricia resides on Long Island with her husband.
Susan Barry Burton is a retired NYS certified teacher having worked in public schools for 35 years. Susan has a Master’s degree in education and has done much post graduate work in all areas of reading and writing. Susan was also a member of the local Reading Council of Suffolk County, NY. She has received recognition for her teaching in being awarded SCOPE’S “All Star Teacher” (2000), New York State’s “Educator of the Week” award (2005) and Phi Delta Kappa International “Friends of Education” award (2012). Susan resides in Sayville, NY with her husband.
These photos show Mina’s growing family in the 1950’s and at present. The family order is Patricia, Elizabeth, William, John, Ann, Susan and Maureen.
Despite the fact that John, Patricia and Susan were responsible for bringing the novel forward, every member of the family served as helpful first readers as they grew up with hearing our mother’s tales of Nebraska. Their input was invaluable.
So, we invite you on our family’s journey and perhaps see your own along the way. Happy reading!