Barnes, Frances S. (Greathead) 1867-1899

BARNES, GREATHEAD, BARRON, HICKS, MEDLAR, COWING, JACOBSON, HENSEL, STRICKER, GOOD

Posted By: Joel Watne (email)
Date: 3/13/2005 at 14:01:45

Mrs. William K. Barnes.

Seldom does a death so touch the hearts of an entire community as has that of Mrs. William K. Barnes. Seldom does such a wealth of sympathy go out to any as is offered to the husband and mother. While it was known that Mrs. Barnes’s condition was very serious, it did not seem possible it meant death; the heart refused to believe it. But death came and the precious life that had been so full of usefulness and that was so full of promise went out.

Francis [sic] S. Greathead was born July 19 1867, at Elkader, Iowa, and died Tuesday evening Nov 21, 1899. When fourteen years old, she became a member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Barron of McGregor, Ia., and their home became hers. She was graduated from the McGregor high school and from Holyoke college. After teaching in Iowa and Moorhead, she came to Alexandria about two years ago to take the position of principal of the high school. She was a young woman of exceptional ability. As a teacher she ranked very high, having not only the mental power and training necessary but marked executive ability and force of character. In December of last year she resigned her position and on Feb. 8 last was married at McGregor to Mr. Barnes. Returning here they took the Hicks cottage and made it a most delightful home. Mrs. Barnes’s brightness and energy made her at once a prominent part of the social life of the village. She was made a member of the library board and through her efforts, the Woman’s club was organized she being its first president. In church work she was also active. So that with her youth, strength and energy she promises to give to Alexandria’s social and intellectual life an inpetus [sic] and added vigor. Her death is a sad loss not only to her intimates but to the entirel community.

The funeral occurs this afternoon at three o’clock, the Rev. W. H. Medlar of the Congregational church of which she was a member, officiating. The pall bearers will be, W. T. Cowing, Tollef Jacobson, Dr. Hensel, N. W. Hicks, M. E. Stricker, Dr. Good. Those who have come from away to be present are Mrs. Greathead of Hull, Ia., Mr. Wm. Greathead of Little Rock, Ia., Miss Mary Greathead of Elkader, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Barron, and Mr. and Mrs. J. U. Barnes and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barnes of Minneapolis.

source - Alexandria Post News; Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota; Thursday, November 23, 1899, page 3, col. 4.