Barrett, John 1815 - 1897

BARRETT, COLLINS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/19/2020 at 13:23:18

Elkader Register, Fri. morning, 10 Dec. 1897.

John Barrett.

The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland in 1815, and came to America in 1838, landing at New Orleans, where he remained eight years. He came to Clayton county in 184_, settling in Read twp., where at one time he was the owner of some 1,500 acres of land. With others he assisted in organizing Read twp., and with Jas. L. Gilbert and Michael Uriell was elected the first trustees. The first election in the Township was held at his house, April 7, 1858. For many years he was among the prominent farmers of the county. He left the county in 1892 to take up his residence with his son Seymour near Sheldon, Ia., where he died Nov. 30th. His remains were brought here and after services at St. Joseph's church on Friday last were laid to rest beside those of his wife and children in the Catholic cemetery at Garnavillo. He will long be remembered as a man of sturdy character, strong in his friendship, and an earnest advocate of what he believed to be right. He leaves three sons, John H. in the East, Thos. H. at Castalia, and Seymour at Sheldon, and one daughter, Mrs. Jos. Collins of Elkader, with other relatives and friends. His long and earnest fight in this world is finished, may he rest in peace.