Barnes, Edward M. 1856 - 1918

BARNES, MIDDLEBROOK, BOYCE, TODD, SMITH

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/16/2014 at 11:17:30

Edward M. Barnes, who devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres on section 27, Fremont Township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Winneshiek county, Iowa, his birth having occurred in that township on the nth of May, 1856. His parents are Richard and Mary (Middlebrook) Barnes, both natives of Connecticut. The father came to this county in 1854 and took up the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres which is now in possession of our subject. After clearing the property he began its improvement and carried on agricultural pursuits thereon until 1880, when he removed to Kendallville and embarked in business as a general merchant. In 1911 he abandoned mercantile pursuits and has since lived retired in Kendallville, being now eighty-seven years of age. The period of his residence in this county covers almost six decades and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its prosperous, representative and esteemed citizens.

Edward M. Barnes was reared and educated here, attending the district schools and later continuing his studies in Breckenridge Institute of Decorah and also at Cresco in Howard County. In 1880, when his father turned from agricultural to mercantile pursuits, he rented the home farm and thus continued its operation for a number of years. The property is now in his possession and comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres of rich and productive land on section 27, Fremont Township. He has made many improvements thereon and in the conduct of his farming interests has won a gratifying measure of success, annually gathering bounteous harvests which find a ready sale on the market. His holdings include an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

On the 22d of September, 1880, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Todd, her parents being James and Eliza (Boyce) Todd, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ohio. James Todd immigrated to the United States in the '50s, locating at Elgin, Illinois, where he was employed in a foundry for some time. When Winneshiek county land was opened up he came here and acquired a tract, improving and operating the same during the remainder of his life. His demise occurred April 20, 1887, while his wife was called to her final rest on October 15. 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been born six children, as follows: Earl, who passed away on January 10, 1897; Grace, the wife of Fred Smith, of Salem, South Dakota; Robert, who is a resident of Minnesota ; Amy, a trained nurse by profession; and Ervin and Cornelia, both at home.

Mr. Barnes exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican Party and in religious faith is a Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen. His entire life has been spent on the farm where he now resides and he is therefore well known throughout the community, having an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. He is ranked among the enterprising and substantial citizens of his district and his activities in the cultivation of his fine farm are regarded as a valuable influence in agricultural development

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

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