CHARLES W. BARBER. Among the leading agriculturists of this excellent county, citizens who have been prominently identified with its progress, is Charles W. Barber, a resident of section 13, Harlem Township. Mr. Barber comes of excellent Pennsylvania stock, the family having long resided in the Keystone State. His father, James W. Barber, was born in Northumberland County, Aug. 5, 1795. His wife, Susan H., was a native of Union County, Pa., and was born July 16, 1801. After their marriage they took up their residence in Union County, where they continued to live until 1843. It was during that year that they were numbered among the pioneers of Stephenson County. Coming with them were their nine children, and the family became a leading one in Harlem Township. There the elder Barber became quite an extensive landowner, possessing 320 acres on section 13, where he settled and where he lived until his death, which occurred May 30, 1877. The demise of his wife occurred Jan. 14, 1876. They were a most estimable couple, known far and wide for their goodly deeds and kindly dispositions, and their death was greatly mourned by the people throughout that section.

Of the family of ten children born to James and Susan Barber, Charles W. was the eldest; the others were named in the order of birth as follows: Sarah B., Thomas, Robert, Mary B., Hannah, Amelia L., Eleanor, Benjamin C. and Susan. Thomas, Amelia, Benjamin and Susan are deceased. Sarah is the wife of O.P. McCool, of Freeport, Ill. Charles, Robert, Mary, Hannah and Eleanor still live on the old homestead in Harlem Township. They own the original farm which was purchased by them from their father. To them it is a hallowed spot, and they dearly prize it for the sweet associations of the past. The farm is provided with an excellent set of farm buildings and is regarded as one of the leading farms of the township.

Mr. Barber has taken an active part in the affairs of his community, and has at various times served in different official capacities. In politics he is a Republican.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)