Barnes, James C. 1837 - 1916

BARNES, MOINE, BLANK, MARTIN, NEWTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/31/2019 at 19:52:24

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 3 Feb. 1916. Strawberry Point column.

James C. Barnes was born in Erie, Pa., January 1st, 1837, and died at Strawberry Point, Iowa, January 26th, 1916, aged 79 years and 26 days. At an early age Mr. Barnes came west with his parents and settled in Waukesha, Wis., for a short time, moving from there to Naperville, Ill. At the age of 16 he went to Chicago and learned the printers' trade, which he followed for a number of years, and later moved to Manitowoc, Wis., and engaged in the banking business. On January 7th, 1863, he heard his Country's Call and enlisted at Milwaukee, Wis., as a private in Co. 1 (or I), 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry, from which arm of the service he was discharged on October 24th, 1863, to be re-mustered into the service as Captain Company I, 27th Wisconsin Infantry. On January 23rd, 1864, at Littlerock, Ark., he was appointed Acting Assistant Inspector General of the 2nd Brigade, First Division and ordered to report in person without delay to Colonel Adolph Engeman, commander of the Brigade. He was honorably discharged from the service on August 22nd, 1866, at St. Louis, Mo., after having served 3 years, 7 months and 15 days.

After leaving the service he came direct to Strawberry Point and embarked in the mercantile business with his two brothers, Erastus and M. G., in the building now occupied by the Duncan restaurant. In a short time the Western Union Telegraph Company extended their line west to this point, locating the office in the store and appointing Mr. Barnes as agent. As soon as the railroad was extended as far west as Strawberry Point the Western Union located the telegraph office at the station and Mr. Barnes was appointed agent of both, which office he held for 15 years, resigning in the year 1888. November 15th, 1870, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Emma Moine. To this union were born six children, five of which survive, Frank dying in infancy. He leaves to mourn his loss the widow; one sister, Louise Blank, of Mason City, Iowa. Five children, L. M., of Delhi, Iowa; R. C. and John M., of Strawberry Point; Mrs. J. R. Martin, of Lakeport, Cal.; Mrs. H. E. Newton, of Sioux City, Iowa, and Guy K., of Waterloo, Iowa, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services at the residence, Friday, January 28th, at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. C. H. True, of Edgewood.

(Note: Although the article clearly states that he had six children, five of which survive, Frank dying in infancy, the article goes on to name six children as surviving him. The submitter has no explanation.)