Barber, James Erwin 1846-1938

BARBER, BARNES, FARLEY

Posted By: Jill McCarville (email)
Date: 2/18/2014 at 16:36:55

James E. Barber

James Erwin Barber was born March 2, 1846, the third son of Wm. and Eliza Barnes Barber, near Canton, St. Lawrence county, N.Y. Shortly after the father's death in 1867 the homestead was sold and the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where James Erwin worked as a railroad baggage man.

About the year 1870 he came to Iowa and bought a farm seven miles northwest of Cresco. He worked on the farm during the summers and taught country school in the winter. His health failed and he was obliged to give up farming. He came to Cresco where he engaged in the grocery business in partnership with the late J.J. Lowry.

On Nov. 13, 1883, he was married to Ellen Farley by the Rev. M.A. McCartey, then pastor of the Assumption church. They purchased a home on Elm street where they lived many years. Later they lived in their home on Sixth Avenue East. One child, a daughter, Anne Lucile, now of New Hampton, Ia., was born to this union.

Mr. Barber was baptized as a child in the Methodist Episcopal church at Canton, N.Y. He lived according to its teachings for many years. In 1910 he transferred his membership to the Congregational church and attended services regularly when able.

He was engaged in the marble and granite business with his brother J.B. Barber for many years. After the death of his wife on Dec. 17, 1919, he made his home for several years at St. Joseph's Mercy hospital in Cresco, later returning to his home in 1927.

He died Dec. 23, 1938, after several months illness of heart trouble and the infirmities of old age. He was confined to his bed four weeks. He was exceptionally blessed and comforted by the Rev. J. A. McMahon who visited him and gave him spiritual consolation in his last days.

Mr. Barber was of an unassuming nature, a good husband and father, a kind neighbor and friend. His departure is greatly mourned by his daughter Lucile and others who knew him. Besides the daughter he is survived by one brother, M. S. Barber of Cresco who is the last living member of the family of eight children.

Card of Thanks

To the kind friends who contributed spiritual and floral bouquets and the many kind words and deeds in behalf of my father and for my comfort in my bereavement, I extend sincere thanks.
Anne Lucile Barber, R.N.

The Howard County Times January 4, 1939 Page 6 C6
Transcribed by Jill McCarville from the files of Janice Sowers

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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