Thomas Alfred Barr (1930)

BARKDOLL, BARR, GIST, JOHNSON, THOMPSON

Posted By: Linda Brittain
Date: 4/10/2007 at 15:58:34

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, August 28, 1930
Page 1

Death of Thomas A. Barr

Thomas A. Barr, owner of the Barr Plumbing Co. of Winterset, died at his home here Saturday afternoon, August 23, shortly after one-thirty o’clock. Mr. Barr had been in poor health for the past two months, and had been in a Des Moines hospital for treatment for heart trouble. He had been at home, however, the past three weeks, and his condition remained about the same.

Death came from a heart attack, and it was a shock to his many friends in Winterset and Madison county. Mr. Barr was 44 years of age, and had made his home in Winterset the past eighteen years.

The deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Barr, and was born near Shellsburg, Jan. 24, 1886. He was raised there, and was married to Miss Ella Thompson, October 29, 1907. They have one son, Jay. The Barrs came to Winterset in 1912, and at first Mr. Barr was associated with the Hackbart Hardware company. For a time, he was employed by the Winterset postoffice, and then he and Charles Christensen engaged in the plumbing business, with the firm name of Barr & Christensen. For the past few years, Mr. Barr had operated his own plumbing and furnace business, the Barr Plumbing company. Mr. Barr was well liked by everyone, and he was conscientious in his business dealings. He was a member of the Methodist church, and the Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges. He held the highest offices in both lodges.

He leaves his wife and son, Jay; his mother, Mrs. Rose Barr, of Vinton, and three sisters, Mrs. Lawrence Barkdoll, of Garrison; Mrs. Myrtle Johnson and Mrs. James Gist, of Vinton. The father and two brothers have preceded him in death.

The Rev. David Shenton, of Clarinda, a former pastor of the local Methodist church, and a close friend of the Barr family, conducted the funeral services, held at the Methodist church, Monday afternoon, August 25th, at 4 o’clock, and burial was made in the Winterset cemetery. The Rev. A. P. Keast, pastor of the Winterset Methodist church, assisted with the services. Short services, for the family of Mr. Barr, were held at Tidrick’s funeral home at three o’clock. The Masonic lodge assisted with the services at the grave.

The pall bearers were: Hubert Fosher, Dr. R. S. Cooper, B. A. McGinness and Ralph Crouse, of Winterset, and Will C. Cunningham and G. C. Merritt, of Des Moines.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, August 28, 1930

Thomas Alfred Barr

Thomas Alfred Barr, son of Daniel J. and Rosella Barr, was born January 24, 1886, and died August 23, 1930.

He was united in marriage to Miss Ella Thompson, October 29, 1907. One son, Jay, was born to them. He had been a member of the church for many years, his last membership being in the Methodist church at Winterset.

Three sisters are living and two brothers preceded him in death. The sisters are: Mrs. Lawrence Barkdoll, of Garrison, and Mrs. Myrtle Johnson and Mrs. James Gist, of Vinton. His mother also survives him.

Mr. Barr was without reproach in his daily life, moving among his fellowmen at his work without any fear. He will wear a crown of undimmed brightness, because the Lord rewards goodness with a great reward. He went to his rest with a perfect trust in Jesus Christ as his own Saviour, and awaits the others in the land of the blest.