Joseph D. Barnes

BARNES

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/10/2014 at 09:50:38

Joseph D. Barnes, Civil War Veteran, Playmate of Buffalo Bill, Dead July 9, 1931

Joseph D. Barnes, Civil war veteran, playmate of Buffalo Bill and near life resident of Le Claire, died this morning at 1: 15 o’clock at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Albert Morey, 103 Thornwood avenue, Davenport.

Mr. Barnes was 88 years old. He had been in failing health since he suffered a stroke Jan. 30, 1923 and had been bedfast for the past six months. He had been living with his granddaughter since the beginning of his serious illness.

For many years, some of the best known and most colorful figures in this vicinity, Mr. Barnes had been a resident of Le Claire almost continuously for 57 years. There he was a playmate of William F. Cody, later the famous “Buffalo Bill” of that community for several decades, having been a member of the town council for 12 years, a member of the board of education for six years and commander of August Wentz post, G. A. R., for several terms.

Of five children he is survived by only one son, Raymond J. Barnes of Des Moines. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Mrs. Florence Morey, with whom he made his home in Davenport. Mrs. Russell Ross of Des Moines, Jack Barnes, also of Des Moines, and Thomas Barnes of Shreveport La.

Born in Ohio

Mr. Barnes was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 11, 1843. He was the son of Dennis and Emily Barnes, who moved to Le Claire in 1844, coming by way of steamboat to an area still sparsely settled. The Cody’s, parents of the future “Buffalo Bill” were neighbors of Mr. Barnes parents in Le Claire until the Cody’s moved to Kansas in 1852.

The great grandson of a Revolutionary war captain, the grandson of a patriot who died in the war of 1812, Mr. Barnes was 19 when the Civil War began. He enlisted as a private in company K, Twentieth Iowa volunteer Infantry, and served for the duration of the war. He took part in many engagements, among them being the battle of Prairie Grove Ark., the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and the assaults on Fort Morgan and Blakely, Ala. For good conduct and meritorious service he was commissioned first lieutenant of his company.

At the close of the war he returned to le Claire and followed rafting on the Mississippi for two years. Then for a time he engaged in farming near Port Byron Ill.

He was married in 1873 to Miss Florence E. James in Davenport, and in 1878 returned with his family to Le Claire where he made his home continuously until his recent illness. His wife preceded him in death July 20, 1923. He retired from active business about 18 years ago.

A number of years ago Mr. Barnes was commissioned an aid de camp on the staff of S. R. Van Sant, former commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, with the rank of colonel. Eight years ago he donated and dedicated the monument under the “ Green Tree” stating “. He also donated the monument to Colonel Davenport that stands in the Scott county courthouse yard.

For many years, his memory of the old days were an invariable source of information to the collectors and chroniclers of local history.

The body was taken to the McGinnis mortuary pending funeral arrangements.

Submitted by Larry and Pauline Shannon.