Barber, William Phineas – 1870-1935

BARBER, MCCORMICK, SMITH

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:30

William P. Barber Extolled, Exemplary Philanthropist; Methodist-Masonic Funeral
William P. Barber was laid to rest in the Monroe cemetery Sunday, May 5, 1935, with impressive Masonic ceremonies, following an equally impressive service at the Methodist Episcopal church, where the body lay in state for all friends to see between the hours of 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The sanctuary was filled to overflowing with neighbors, relatives of Mr. Barber, and lumbermen and Masons from a distance who had known the distinguished departed during his useful lifetime. Rev. Raoul R. Moser, the pastor, officiated and preached a long and heart-touching funeral sermon, recounting at some length the wonderful life of service and generous philanthropy led by Mr. Barber; who, though not a member of any church, yet was a member of the official Board of the Monroe Methodist church. The pastor was assisted by Rev. A. W. Nickle, pastor of the United Presbyterian church, who read passages from Scripture found in the 23rd Psalm and John 14.
Pastor Moser took for his text, “He was a good man.” Exalting not himself, but always willing to assist others, which he did with time and money whenever the cause was worthy, comprised the gist of this passage written by Dr. Luke centuries ago. Nothing higher might be said of any man, declared the pastor, than to say truly, “He was a good man.”
E. B. Cochrane, K. T. 32°, made the Masonic address.
Mr. Moser’s Tribute
William Phineas Barber is no longer numbered with the living. His transition from this life to the life that is yet to be was a heavy toll taken from the people of Monroe, Iowa and will bring real grief to many hearts among us.
William Barber, son of Clara Sharon and William Murr Barber, was born at Attica, Ohio, June 1, 1870. He departed this life at his home in Monroe, Iowa, after a brief illness, Thursday morning, May 2, 1935.
Mr. Barber came with his parents to Waverly, Iowa, in 1878, and from that time on spent the greater part of his life in this Commonwealth. Early in life Mr. Barber became a business man, and remained such to the close of his days. His earliest enterprise was with cold storage. He spent his time in this endeavor between Iowa and Montana. During the greater part of his life, however, Mr. Barber conducted the lumber usiness. At the time of his death, he owned the lumber yards in Monroe and Otley, and was interested as a partner in the lumber yard at Mingo, Iowa.
May 22, 1893, Mr. Barber was married to Miss Nellie Smith. Four children were born of this union; namely, two boys and two girls. Of this number but one, Francis Barber, who was associated with his father in the lumber business, survives. Gertrude died in infancy. Floyd and Margaret, both of whom lived to reach manhood’s and womanhood’s estate, preceded their father into the life everlasting.
Mr. Barber was a member of the Masonic lodge, and of the Knights of Pythias. He also was a most active member of the Monroe Commercial Club. He never longed to be in the limelight, nor to be heralded before the world. He was of Scotch stock, and in his life and endeavors revealed all of the noblest traits of that great people. He had the rare faculty of combining thrift with generosity. His counsel and advice was much sought after, and was always worthy of favorable consideration.
He was not a member of any church at the time of his death, but his life showed that he believed in Christian ideals, and that he was in hearty sympathy with all good works. His majestic form, his kindly face and his genial spirit will be missed by all who knew him. All who knew William Barber realized that he was a good man, a man among men.
He is survived by his wife, his son Francis, three grandchildren, two brothers and one sister. His brothers are S. D. Barber, of New York and F. D. Barber, of Yetter, Iowa. The sister is Mrs. John McCormick, of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. To these bereaved hearts, community and statewide sympathy, by a multitude of friends and acquaintances, is being extended.
Source: Monroe Citizen, May 9, 1935, page 8