BARRETT, Edward Charles 1812-1901

BARRETT, GATES

Posted By: Bruce Kuennen (email)
Date: 11/4/2018 at 20:22:12

Death of Edward Barrett

Yesterday at St. Joseph's church in this city took place the funeral of Mr. Edward Barrett of Utica township, who died at his home last Sunday
at the advanced age of 89 years.

He was a pioneer of the county and formerly resided in Deerfield township. He leaves three daughters and three sons. They are E. E. Barrett of Utica, C. J. Barrett of New Hampton, Marshall and Minnie Barrett at home, and Misses Katie and May Barrett, teachers in the schools of the county.

We are promised the data for obituary next week.

OBITUARY RECORD.

DIED. At his home in Utica township, February 25, 1901. Edward Charles Barrett, aged 89 years.

Deceased was born in Cargolyn, Cork County Ireland in 1812. He was educated in the colleges of Cork and received a thorough training in the languages, especially Latin.

His liberty-loving spirit and his dislike to oppression lured him from his native hills and valleys across the ocean to the land of the free. Hither he came at the age of twenty-one with a younger sister and landed at St. John, New Brunswick. From there he made his way down into New England where he spent several years. and where he was joined by some of his brothers and sisters.

Even there he did not give up educational advantages but attended college at Augusta, Maine, for some time. He was a staunch believer in education of the masses and the schools today had no truer, firmer friend.

Scarcely a city east of the Missouri River that he did not visit and wherever he worked or held a position he was always remembered for his noble generosity and revered and respected for his honorable and just dealings.

He is known to the older citizens of Dubuque as the manager of the postal system in the earlier days. He came to Chickasaw county nearly half a century ago and was one of those sturdy persevering pioneers who built up the county and made it what it is today. February 28, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Gates at Festina and six children bless their union.

A strictly conscientious business man, a sincere friend, a kind, loving father; a faithful, devoted husband, and a true, earnest member of the faith in which ho professed. — he was loved and respected by all who knew him.

He had suffered long and severely from broken health, but when at last the end came his sublime faith, his righteous life, his noble, generous character, his clinging trust in Divine Goodness, all made him strong and ready to meet his Eternal Maker. Death came to him not as a Grim Reaper who blights and destroys happiness, not as a symbol of the dark river which flows between time and eternity, but as a swift, holy messenger of love and peace. Not an instant of doubt or fear crossed his soul when the summon came, but with a smile of happy resignation he sank quietly and calmly to rest. Those who stood at his bedside and watched the feeble flame of life flicker from that contented heart could not but be inspired by the grand confidence that had distinguished him through life and had plucked the sharpest thorns from death.

A good and honored name, tho richest legacy to which any one can fall heir, he left to those who mourn his loss, This is the first death that has over entered the family circle and, although not wholly unexpected, is a severe blow to those who loved him most. His wife, throe sons — Edward, Marshal, and Clinton - and three daughters — Misses Minnie, Kitty and Mayme — all residents of the county, survive him.

The funeral was held from St. Joseph's church in this city at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning. High mass was celebrated by Rev Father Slattery. "Be ye faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of lifE," were the words of the text from which the pastor made a few eloquent remarks on the life of the deceased, The remains wore laid to rest in St. Joseph's cemetery.

He has left our dear home, to cross its threshold no more.
Ah, how we shall sigh for that dear one, who welcomed us each day at the door

We shall miss him at morn and at eve,
His voice so gentle and kind.
He has gone to the world of light;
And left us all behind.

But when the bell tolls,and cares are all over.
And Death says "Thou art dismissed;"
May we meet him on that heavenly shore
To greet him and be kissed.

Source: New Hampton Courier, March 7, 1901, accessed at New Hampton Public Library Digital Archives

New Hampton Public Library Digital Archives
 

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