BARBER, Earll 1852-1896

BARBER, CHAMBERLAIN, HARKNESS

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 8/31/2013 at 15:07:06

[Waterloo Daily Courier, Monday, September 14, 1896, Waterloo, Iowa]

DEATH OF MR. E. BARBER.
OCURED SUNDAY MORNING

An Upright and Honorable Man Has
Gone—His Place Will Be
Hard to Fill.

We know and realize that death ever walks hand in hand with life and to a certain extent we are prepared for the inevitable, but yet when a loved one is taken the blow falls with crushing force upon those left. The sudden death of Mr. Earll Barber, of this city, Sunday morning caused general sorrow in the community He has not been very robust for some months yet his death was unexpected to all. The immediate cause of his death was hemorrhage of the lungs. He had had slight attacks during the week and

Thursday he spent at home having had an attack of hemorrhage Wednesday and as he left the store be said he would not be there again that evening Friday he was at work again and in the evening after he returned home, he with his wife walked a short distance. Mr. Barber had a slight hemorrhage that evening and did not sleep well during the night. Early Saturday morning he had a violent attack, which left him quite weak. In the evening and again Sunday morning he had a hemorrhage. He was fully conscious to within half an hour of his death and it was not long before that he talked to Mrs. Barber on some ordinary topic, but did not refer to his death although he doubtless must have realized that the end was near. Quietly and peacefully he passed into the unknown world beyond.

A just and upright man has gone, one who in every business and social relation was the soul of honor and integrity. It is indeed worth living if when life's labors are ended there is no word of reproach to be heard on any act committed. Earll Barber's character did not require to be molded after the majesty of death had placed its seal upon him for he had lived a true and noble life. His interest in humanity was not prompted by selfish considerations and this quality in his nature drew friends to him and they remained such to the last. A life long friend said "I never knew a more honorable man in every way than Earll Barber." This remark is only the consensus of opinion of all who knew him and he was widely acquainted in Waterloo and vicinity, having lived here since 1858. In that year he came with his parents, Dr. P. J. and Mrs. Barber, to Waterloo when he was a child of six years.

He was born in Boston, Erie Co., N. Y., in 1852. As a boy he attended the Waterloo schools and was noted as a close and thorough student. He studied medicine for two years in his father's office and then entered the drug store of Griffin & Logan as a clerk. After some time with this firm he went to Vinton and remained a year in the store of Dr. Griffin. A business transaction was consummated whereby Mr. Shutts and Mr. Barber became owners of the drug stock-of Griffin & Logan in 72-73 and they moved into a store on Bridge street in 1878. The firm continued until 188S, when Mr. Barber bought Mr. Shutts' interest in the stock and since that time he has been alone in the business. In November, 1891, he moved from his location on Bridge Street to one on Commercial Street and has been there since that time.

If any one wanted an opinion on almost any subject they went to Earll Barber for it. He had made an extensive study of scientific subjects and had made many experiments along these lines. He was an electrician and at one time had arranged a telephone in his house that was equipped in a manner that would have attracted attention in electrical displays. He also made a study of sanitary plumbing and probably no one was better posted than Mr. Barber in this branch of building. Every year it was his habit to make a thorough research of some special subject and he thus kept abreast of the times. His careful methods were of great value to him in his business and he was one of the most careful and conscientious pharmacists.

Mr. Barber will be missed as he was generally to be found at his place of business, giving the closest attention to his work. In 1888 he spent some time in California, and the change seemed very beneficial to him. Since that time with but brief vacations he has been constantly at his work. He really died at his post as it was only last Friday evening he left the store for the last time.

Mr. Earll Barber was married to Miss Florence Harkness, June, 1878, and to the wife thus suddenly bereaved the sympathy of all is given. Their only daughter, Clara, shares with her mother in mourning a loved and loving one,

Mr. Barber leaves one brother, Mr. Leverett Barber, at present located in Swale City, Iowa. He with his wife will be here to attend the funeral. Mrs. C. D. Ham, of Dubuque, a niece, will also be here. Among the relatives of Mr. Barber in the city are the families of Mr. Emmons Johnson and Hon. Horace Boies. The late Mrs. Boies was a sister of Mr. Barber.

The funeral will be held at the residence Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 o'clock. It is expected Mr. Stevenson, pastor of the Congregational church, will be at home to take charge of the services. He has been notified by wire of the death of Mr. Barber and he will probably reach Waterloo. Tuesday morning.

The interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

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[From History of Black Hawk County, Iowa 1904]

Mr. Barber was the youngest son of Dr. Philo J. and Fidelia (Chamberlain) Barber.

Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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