Barclay, Thomas Coates 1831 - 1910

BARCLAY, IVERS, EASTON, WILFORD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/20/2013 at 14:39:24

Oelwein Register, Oelwein, Iowa, Wed., 6 Apr. 1910. (condensed).

OLD NORTHEASTERN IOWA PIONEER CALLED. Had Been A Resident Of This Part Of The State For Fifty-Eight Years.

Thomas Coates Barclay, one of the oldest pioneers of northeastern Iowa, was born in Cattarogas county, New York, July 17, 1831, and passed away at his home in Oelwein March 20, 1910, aged seventy-eight years, eight months and 13 days. With his family he came to Michigan when a small boy, and in 1852 he came to Iowa and located near Postville. He had been a resident of northeastern Iowa for fifty-eight years and had seen this part of Iowa blossom like the rose and develope in a wonderful manner. He related how the country was almost without settlers when he came here, and how one could ride for miles and miles never meeting another soul.

On Dec. 25, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Ivers at Postville, Iowa, by whom he is survived. Together they enjoyed all the hardships and pleasures of pioneer life and wrought for themselves a competence. To them were born nine children, three of whom survive. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Easton of Sheridan, Wyoming; and Mrs. Mary Wilford of St. Charles, Minnesota. A brother, Wesley Barclay, passed away at his home in Michigan, on March 28th.

Mr. Barclay was a man highly esteemed by his associates, and in his last years could be seen often on the streets mingling with friends. He became a member of the Masonic order at Postville in 1859 and was therefore a Mason over half a century.

The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church, in this city, after which the remains were taken by train for interment at Postville, Iowa, where he had located fifty-eight years ago. A large delegation of Masons and old friends in that city accompanying the body to its final rest in Postville cemetery.

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Note: See obit for his wife, Drucilla Virginia Barclay, which gives additional information on the Barclay's movements and children.

Submitter is not related.

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