This aged and respected resident of Loran Township came to this section of country over thirty years ago, prepared to put his shoulder to the wheel and assist his brother pioneers in the development of its resources, and the building up of its business and agricultural interests. He was then a young man, strong and hopeful, prepared to meet the difficulties which lay before him, and to suffer privation and hardship if necessary, in order to build up the homestead which he had planned for himself and family.

Mr. Barnes was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Aug. 16, 1813, and is the second child of Henry and Achsah (McGregory) Barnes, of New England birth and parentage, who emigrated to New York after their marriage. They continued in the Empire State until 1854, and until after their children had grown to mature years. These consisted of two sons and three daughters. Then, although past middle life, they determined to spend their last days in the western country, and accordingly emigrated thither. The father took up a tract of land in Silver Creek Township, and lived for a number of years, during which time he had succeeded in establishing a comfortable home, and there both parents died, the mother passing away in 1859, and the father in 1860.

Our subject upon leaving the parental roof became a resident of Herkimer County, N. Y., for a short time, but followed his parents to this State the year succeeding their arrival here. He sojourned in Ridott Township a short time, then removed to Winnebago County, but a year later returned to Stephenson County and took up his residence with his parents in Silver Creek Township, where he remained three years. His next removal was a return to Ridott Township, whence three years later he removed to Loran Township, where he had purchased 125 acres of land, which is now included in his present homestead. He was prospered in his farming operations, and invested his surplus capital in additional land, until he now has a fine farm of 325 acres with excellent buildings and all the machinery required by the modern farmer. The place is well stocked, kept in good repair, and is in all respects one of the model homes of Stephenson County.

The lady who has been the close friend and companion of our subject for nearly fifty years, who accompanied him in his journey to the West and in his subsequent removals, was in her girlhood Miss Louisa M. Byington, and became his wife on the 28th of January, 1838. Their marriage took place at the bride’s home in Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y., and they began life together on a farm in Vienna Township, that county. Mrs. Barnes is the daughter of Jared and Hannah (Brunson) Byington, natives of Connecticut. They were reared and married in their native county, where they remained for a time afterward and thence removed to Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. The mother passed to her long home Sept. 5, 1835. The death of the father occurred fifteen years later, Nov. 28, 1850. Their seven children grew to manhood and womanhood, and of these Louisa, the wife of our subject, was the sixth in order of birth. She first drew breath in Herkimer County, N. Y., July 2, 1813, and remained under the parental roof until her marriage with our subject. This union resulted in the birth of six children, whom we record as follows: George H. remained with his parents until the outbreak of the late war, and enlisted in the 7th Illinois Cavalry, marching with his comrades to the scene of conflict in the South, and yielded up his life in the hospital at Savannah, Ga., where his remains fill a soldier’s grave; Harriet died when a little child two years of age; Adelbert married Miss Gertrude Stinley, of La Fayette County, Wis., and is engaged in the livery business at Red Oak, Iowa; Jared B. married Miss Emma Buffington, of Iowa, and occupies his time at farming in Pierce County, Neb.; Harriet L. (2d) is the wife of Charles F. Scott, a prosperous farmer of Loran Township; Whiting S. married Miss Sarah Hahn, of Loran Township, and carries on the homestead.

Mr. Barnes, while a resident of his native State, and in his younger years, was considerably interested in political affairs, and held the various offices of his native township. Since coming to the West he has devoted his attention mainly to his farming interests. Politically, he votes independently, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 244