Eliza Spoor Barry, 1815-1901

BARRY, SPOOR

Posted By: Colleen Boose (email)
Date: 8/2/2006 at 11:49:36

BARRY, Eliza Elizabeth Spoor

In Memoriam

Mrs. Don C. Barry, a pioneer of Grant township, O'Brien county, entered into rest at Spencer, Clay county, Iowa, April 16, 1901, aged 85 years and six months.

Eliza Spoor became the wife of Don C. Barry in 1834 at Rochester, N.Y. They came west at once, locating twelve miles south of Chicago on the lake shore. Chicago was then a very small village of a few log houses. During the Indian land sales of that and the next year they kept a hotel. Later there was but little travel and Mr. Barry being in other business found it sometimes necessary to be away at night. Mrs. Barry usually remained alone without fear, but upon one occasion she felt an unaccountable loneliness and fear. There were no white people nearer than Chicago and an Indian camp between. She could not stay alone; and taking her baby in her arms, walked a mile, to where an old Indian and his squaw lived in their wigwam, apart from the camp. They seemed delighted at her confidence in them, when she had, by signs, made know her desire to remain with them. The squaw at once spread a great bear skin on the ground, over that some soft white blankets that had never been used. The old Indian, showing her that she was to sleep there, stepped outside the wigwam; the squaw at once went to her own bed of blankets near Mrs. Barry's bed, and motioned her to do the same. Mrs. B. with her baby in her arms lay down, but not to sleep. The Indian, when all was quiet, returned and seating himself by some embers, remained there keeping a bright light with bark and twigs all night. In the morning they insisted that she eat breakfast with them, which was mostly broiled white fish without salt. Mrs. Barry appreciated this hospitality on the part of the Indians. It was, too, a happy thought for her as she took her departure, to put her baby in her shawl on her back, squaw fashion, to the great delight of her dusky entertainers.

Mr. and Mrs. Barry came to Grant township, in 1871. They had eight children, six of whom were married and settled near them in this and Clay counties. John, the baby of the incident above related, (since deceased), Mrs. Squire Mack, Mrs. Dell Miner, Mrs. George Diggins, Mrs. Anson Allbee, Mrs. G. W. Munger and twin boys, Edwin and Edgar, at home with them. In 1879 Edwin married Miss Katie Hoffman and settled in this county and is the owner of Triple Spring Farm where he now lives. Edgar, the other twin, married Miss Cora Linn and lives in Spencer.

Many who read this will remember the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Barry, held at their pleasant home in Grant township June 17, 1884. The 150 guests left many valuable gifts for this interesting couple and took away with them, delightful memories of a "perfect day in June." Some time after this Mr. and Mrs. Barry moved to Spencer. On July 4, 1892, the children and grand children, to the number of forty-five, spent the day with them -- the last happy reunion, for Mr. Barry was soon stricken with a painful illness which proved fatal. He died Jan. 8, 1893. Over 500 friends were present when Rev. Higbee pronounced the last words at his burial at Trimello in Clay county. Mrs. Barry now lies beside him. Mr. Barry was a kind-hearted man, fond of change and adventure; was a kind husband and father and a good citizen. The story of his ancestors which lies before me is full of romance and contains names of noted New England pioneers. We hope to see it embodied some day in the annals of O'Brien county. Mrs. Barry was a woman of strong character, quiet and serene in manner; always looking well to the ways of her household. She lived close to the hearts of her children and the memory of her is to them and her countless friends a benediction.

Interment in Trimello cemetery.

Obituary written by: Roma W. Woods

Source: Newspaper clipping found pasted in old book owned by Mary Louise Shepard Powers (niece of Don C. and Eliza Spoor Barry)