Willis J. Barnett

BARNETT, BALLARD, MONROE

Posted By: Ida Morse (email)
Date: 1/8/2006 at 13:57:15

Earlham Library Obituaries May 1950
Earlham, Iowa

WILLIS J. BARNETT

Willis J. Barnett, son of Zimri and Ann Barnett was born July 26, 1865 at West Newton, Indiana.

In 1872 the family came to Iowa living in the Dexter and Stuart communities, where Mr. Barnett attended grade and high school and grew to manhood.

In 1883 the family settled permanently near Earlham. On March 28, 1888 Mr. Barnett was married to Eleanor Ballard who passed away March 19th, 1948, a few days before would have completed 60 years of life together.

Two children were born to this union, a son, Leslie, who died when four years of age and a daughter, Mildred at the age of 25.

Mr. Barnett held a birth right membership in the Friends Church at Earlham. Most of his life was spent in and around Earlham, farming being this greatest interest. Fifteen years of age they moved to Dexter and about five years ago to Colfax, Iowa.

Death came Friday afternoon, May 12th at the home of his niece, Mrs. Paul Monroe at Colfax.

Mr. Barnett was the last of his family. His age was 84 years and 10 months.

Services were held at the Welch Funeral Home conducted by Rev. W. E. Dutton of Colfax, and Rev. A. W. Hadley of the Friends Church. Burial in the Earlham Cemetery.

Billy as he was known to his many friends, not only farmed during his life's career, but after retiring from the farm was engaged in the buying and selling of livestock.

When a young man he was very fond of fine horses and assisted his Uncle Elwood Barnett with his race horses, and made several trips to taxas (Texas) during the winter months.

He and his wife were faithful attendants of the church.

He was a good neighbor and always ready to assist his friends in their needs.

The floweral offerings were many and beautiful.

Those attending from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Monroe of Colfax; Mrs. Eleanor Harrow of Evanston, Illinois, Mr. Charlie Thomson of Storm Lake; Mr. and Mrs Ace Compton of Guthrie Center; Mrs and Mrs. Harry Linn and son, Lyle of Adair and Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Linn and son of Violia, (Viola) Iowa; Mrs. Grant of Dexter, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Murray of Adel.