Richard C. Barrett was the second superintendent of public instruction elected from Mitchell county. He was born of humble parentage in Waverly, Iowa, October 1, 1858. He did not have the advantages of a college education, but illustrates what energy, ability and sound judgment can do when coupled with tact and honest friendliness for others.
He attended the public schools of Waverly, and the Decorah Institute and Teachers' Training School, conducted by Principal Breckenridge. He was employed as an instructor in the latter institution for a time and then took charge of the public schools of Riceville.
In 1885 he was elected county superintendent of Mitchell county and retained that position for twelve years, with almost no opposition during that time.
In 1897 he was nominated by the republicans and elected to the office of superintendent of public instruction, and held that office for six years. Very soon after he finished his third term in that position be was made a member of the faculty of Iowa College at Ames, then under the presidency of Dr. A. B. Storms.
In 1895 Cornell College gave him the degree of A. M., and the same year the teachers of the state made him president of the State Teachers Association, the highest honor they could confer upon him., He became a strong lecturer and teacher in institutes throughout the state, and wrote and published much along educational lines.
In 1883 he was married to Jeanette Armour Dean. They had two daughters, one of whom died in infancy. In 1907 he and his family made a trip through Europe, which was a great delight to all of them. Upon his return he entered upon his work at Ames with great vigor and high hopes. But in January or February, 1909, he was taken with severe inflammation in both ears, and went to the Methodist Hospital at Des Moines where two operations were performed, but to no avail. On March 2, 1909,he passed away there. The funeral was held at the college where the remains were laid to rest.
Superintendent Barrett made friends wherever he was known, by his genial disposition and constant good cheer. He was an ardent Methodist, and a radical republican, but his friends were in all parties and of all faiths. His family life was ideal, and his early death was deeply regretted by many good people. It has been said of him, "He was a true Christian gentleman." His wife and daughter survive at the present writing.
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, © 2001