Alfred Barnes, of Genesee Township, has been a farmer on section 13 since 1869. He came to Whiteside County in 1854, when he purchased a farm on section 24, on which he was a resident 15 years. He has been connected with the agricultural development of this section of the State of Illinois over 30 years.
Mr. Barnes was born Nov. 28, 1824, in Fabius Township, Onondaga Co., N. Y. His father, Truman Barnes, was born in the State of New York; of parents who were natives of New England. He was a private soldier in the war of 1812, and was married in his native county to Azuba Kinney. She was born in the same county and township, and her parentage was the same in nationality as that of her husband. They passed their entire lives in their native State, and died in the township of Pike, Wyoming County. The father died in 1835, when about 47 years of age. The mother died in 1860. Three of their nine children are living: Mr. A Barnes is the seventh child of his parents, and he lived in his native place until he was eight years old. His father then removed his family to Wyoming County, where he received his education. He was 11 years of age when his father died; and four years later he went to Pike in the same county to enter upon an apprenticeship under Messrs. Hull & Smith, woolen manufacturers. After completing the period of his instructions, he engaged in their service and remained with them 15 years, becoming general manager of their factory. In 1824 he decided to devote the remawder of his active life to f arming, and in accordance with that purpose he came to Whiteside County, where he has since been occupied as stated. The farm he first bought contained 40 acres and was wholly unimproved. He had placed it in good agricultural condition when he severed his conection with it by sale. The farm which he has owned since 1869, was under partial improvement when he became its owner. It is at present in excellent condition, and supplied with creditable farm structures. It is one of the best improved farms in the township. Mr. Barnes is a Republican of well known stability and consistent record. He has occupied several local official positions, interested in school matters since he came to the township, aud has been School director 15 years in succession.
March 21, 1848, he entered into matrimonial bonds with Adaline Olin, in Pike, Wyoming Co., N.Y . Mrs. Barnes is the daughter of Justin and Mary (Tiffany) Olin. Her father was born in Vermont, and is a cousin of Stephen D. Olin, a famous clergyman in the Methodist Church, and is a relative of Senator George F. Edmunds, of Vermont. Her mother was born in the State of New York. Mrs. Barnes was born June 5, 1826, in the township of Eagle, in Wyoming County. She is the daughter of a farmer and was educated in her native county. Her parents came to Illinois, and her father died in 1863, in Whiteside County. Her mother died in 1883 in Carroll County. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been the parents of six children. Mary L., Evaline. P., and S. Henrietta are married. Eugenia L. and Emma E. are at home. Sarah A. died in infancy, Mrs. Barnes is connected by membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Portrait & Biographical 1895 - Pg 533
