Clara Ames Barber 1851-1937

BARBER, AMES, COLLINS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/9/2010 at 22:24:46

2 Pioneer Women Die This Week
Mrs. A. Barber and Mrs. O. G. Gilbertson Answer Last Call; Well-Known in Home Communities

Death came for the third time in five months to the Collins family to claim on last Friday, Oct. 22, a dearly beloved aunt, Mrs. Clara Barber. Her sister, Mrs. Martha Collins passed away Sept. 29, and the latter’s husband Sam Collins was called on May 23. Mr. Barber died in 1935.

The four aged people were all pioneers of Estherville coming here in the very early days of the community. They had all lived to a ripe old age and their last illnesses were all of comparatively short duration. Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Barber were exceptionally close even for sisters and were together daily in trips down town and to the homes of relatives and friends. Two weeks ago Mrs. Barber was taken acutely ill but had seemed to rally and gained steadily during the past week. Her turn for the worse was sudden and unexpected.

Born in Wisconsin
Clare Ames was born on June 10, 1851 in Wisconsin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ames. In company with her older sister, mother, step father and other members of the family she came by ox team to Estherville in 1858. Residence was established here and was maintained in this community and southern Minnesota except for the few months during the Indian uprising.

She was married while very young to Albert Henry Barber. They lived on a farm north of Estherville at first but in 1882 moved into Estherville where Mr. Barber established a furniture and undertaking business which he continued until 1908. Charles Anderson began working for Mr. Barber as a young man and became a partner in the business and remained with Henry Mahlum when he acquired a half interest.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at two-fifteen from the home and at two-thirty from the Union Baptist church. Rev. J. Albert Riggs, pastor of the church was in charge assisted by Rev. Geo. Conly a close friend of the family. Interment was made in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery.

Pall bearers were R. J. Ridley, L. C. Doolittle, Vance Noe, Joy Horswell, L. H. Barnes and A. Storey.

Surviving Mrs. Barber are three nephews Jay Collins of Milwaukee, Wisc., who was here for the services, and Romaine and Gaylord Collins of Estherville. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 26, 1937)