Barnard, Henry Harrison 1842-1924

BARNARD, DRIPS, BACHTELL

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 4/3/2017 at 13:54:35

H.H. Barnard prominent citizen of Elkader for over fifty years passed away at his home on the East Side just before five o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, June 10th, 1924.

Henry Harrison Barnard was born on a farm in Medina county, Ohio, August 2nd, 1842. His boyhood was spent on the farm.

In April 1863 he came to Iowa in search of health as it was thought a change of climate would benefit a bronchial trouble with which he was afflicted.

He went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Bachtell on their farm in Grand Meadow township, Clayton County. In the spring of 1871 Mr. Bachtell and his family moved to Elkader and Mr. Barnard accompanied them and has been a resident of Elkader since that time.

On December 25, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Madge Drips of National, who with their only child, now Dr. Ransom D. Barnard of Clarion, and a granddaughter Bernice, are the only survivors of his family. His four brothers and two sisters have answered the final summons since 1911.

Mr. Barnard was for many years engaged in the fire and life insurance business here and was also a director in the First National Bank of Elkader. His health has been failing for several years and in the fall of 1922 he sold his business, being unable to give it the proper attention. He was still a familiar figure on our streets, enjoying visiting with old friends, until about the first of the year. For the past three months however, he has only left his home in a wheel chair with Mrs. Barnard and his nurse in attendance. His son, Dr. Ransom Barnard has made frequent trips here to see him and assist in caring for him. He and his wife and daughter, Bernice, were with his father when the end came.

Mr. Barnard was a devoted member of the Masonic order. He was made a Master Mason at Monona August 14, 1870, demitting to the Elkader lodge January 15, 1874, so that he had passed the half century mark as a member of the local lodge. He was a member of Harmony Chapter No. 41, R.A.M., of which he served as High Priest for years, and a charger member of the local chapter of O.E.S. He was also a member of Mystic Camp 319 M.W.A.

During his long life here Mr. Barnard made many friends and few, if any, enemies. In business he was solicitous. He was a genial and accommodating neighbor, known by the name of "Harrison" to young and old.

He took an active interest in public affairs and was a member of the town council for several years. He was also active in county politics as one of the leading members of the Republican party. This interest in public affairs continued practically until the end.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Congregational church in charge of Elkader Lodge No. 72 A.F. & A.M. [illegible words] ... Rev. Warner offered prayer. A large attendance of Masons and of our citizens attested the regard in which he was held. Interment was in the East Side cemetery.

~Elkader Register, June 12, 1924