For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 122
FRANKLIN BARNES. Franklin Barnes, deceased, was for nearly fifty years prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Muscatine county. He gained an acknowledged standing not only as a leading farmer, but also as a man who contributed his full share toward the upbuilding of the county and in enhancing the comfort and happiness of those with whom he was associated.Born in Knox county, Ohio, december 30, 1833, he was the son of Enos and Charlotte (Bagley) Barnes. The father was a native of Vermont and the grandfather of New Hampshire, the family being of English descent. Enos Barnes enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, but was never called into service. In 1818 he removed with his family to Athens county, Ohio, and later became a resident of Knox county. By trade he was a blacksmith, and he followed that occupation in connection with farming. In 1838, believing that more favorable opportunities were presented in the great west, he made the trip to Iowa and bought land on section 12, Wapsinonoc township. He returned to the Buckeye state and the next year brought his family to Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his days. He passed away in November, 1880, having arrived at the age of four-score years. The beloved wife and mother died in 1883 at the age of eighty-three years. Both were members of the Christian church. Originally a whig, he became a republican upon the organization of that party and continued as a stanch supporter of its candidates. There were nine children in their family, of whom George, Lucy, Almon, Simeon, Gilbert, Charles, and Franklin are deceased. Those living are: Amy, now the wife of the Hon.Samuel D. Chesbro, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Diantha, the widow of J. A. Givens, of Richland, Iowa.
Franklin Barnes came with his parents to Iowa at six years of age and received his education in the district schools of Muscatine county. He was thoroughly instructed by his father in the various details of farming and continued at home until after reaching his majority, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 17, Wapsinonoc township , in 1857. He was a man of thrifty, industrious habits and applied himself to such good purpose that he became the owner of eight hundred acres in Wapsinonoc township, his farm being recognized as one of the most valuable pieces of property in Muscatine county. He erected a residence which cost three thousand dollars and a barn costing two thousand dollars, and the other buildings were models of convenience. He succeeded admirably as a breeder of fine hogs and horses and indeed was highly successful in any line to which he devoted his attention. In February, 1889, he retired from active life, taking up his residence at West Liberty. His widow now owns three farms in Kansas, of one hundred and sixty acres each, one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Wapsinonoc township and a fine residence in West Liberty.
In 1857 Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth La Rue, born in Wayne county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Abigail ( Knight ) La Rue. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father being a descendant of French ancestry. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, namely: Thedora, now the wife of Robert C. Wagner, of West Liberty, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Susie, the wife of George Gibson, a real-estate man of Winterset, Iowa, and the mother of four children, Ralph, Nellie, Blanche and Clarinda; Fanny L., the wife of Orris Leabhart, who is living retired at Tipton, Iowa, and has one son, Herman; Harry, a farmer living near Beloit, Kansas, who married Miss Bessie Rhodes and has four children: Emery, Ralph, Vernon and Dora; and Nellie, who died at the age of nineteen years.
Mr. Barnes died in 1904 and the general expression of regret upon the announcement of his departure gave evidence of the profound regard in which he was held by all who knew him. Politically he was in sympathy with the republican party and religiously he was identified with the Christian church. Mrs. Barnes is a valid member of the same church and also of the Ladies Aid Society. She is a lady of kindly and benevolent qualities and is greatly respected by the entire community.
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