My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER BARBER. The honest discharge of every trust reposed in his hands, the unusual ability shown in different directions, and the interest he has taken in the advancement of measures for the good of Randolph County, have caused Alexander Barber long since to be classed as one of the leading citizens of this part of the state. Our subject is a native of Jackson County, this state, where his birth occurred, near Campbell Hill, April 22, 1842. He is the son of Alexander and Caroline (Harrison) Barber, and a grandson of Alexander Barber. The latter was a native of Ohio, who, upon coming to Illinois in 1804, settled near Ellis Grove, and for forty-eight consecutive years served as Justice of the Peace in Randolph County.

Orphaned in childhood by his father’s death, our subject made his home with his grandfather, and with his mother, who had married again. When but nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, June 25, 1861, for three years. He was on detached service at the headquarters of Generals Morgan and Sheridan during the last eighteen months in the army, and was discharged at Camp Butler, Ill., July 7, 1864. Seven months later, February 16, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company F, Second United States Veteran Volunteers, in General Hancock’s Corps, and served for one year. He was on duty along with said corps at the prison at the time of the execution of Mrs. Surratt, one of the conspirators to the assassination of President Lincoln in 1865, in Washington, D. C. He suffered from sickness a great deal during the time in the army, but managed to keep up with his comrades.

November 11, 1869, Mr. Barber married Theodocia, daughter of Alfred G. and Frances (Cornelius) McCormack, natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively. The father was a grandson of Colonel Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the Indians, a fact well known in the history of the day. Theodocia Barber was born August 15, 1847, near Chester, Ill., whither her parents had moved about 1836. Of this union have been born nine children: Herbert, who died in infancy in 1872; Clara A., born June 17, 1873; Nina M., September 10, 1875; Willard S., June 10, 1877; Gertie L., May 15, 1879; Joel E., February 10, 1881; Everett C., January 26, 1884; Josie F., November 21, 1886; and Benjamin Harrison, January 29, 1889. Mrs. Barber is a member of Methodist Episcopal Church, and Nina and Gertie are identified with the Presbyterian denomination.

Politically, Mr. Barber is a true-blue Republican and boldly expresses his opinion without fear or favor. He has lived through some very exciting times here, and a volume could be filled with interesting reminiscences of his eventful career. Socially he is a Mason, but is not affiliated with any lodge now, there being none in Rockwood. He has held many township offices, including those of Constable, Police Magistrate, Justice of the Peace, and also served as Deputy under the administration of Sheriff Daniel Gerlach. He is also Notary Public. The duties of his various positions he has discharged with satisfaction to his constituents and with credit to himself. He is now making his home on a tract of land comprising forty-eight acres adjoining the village of Rockwood, and with his family occupies a large two-story house set in the midst of well kept grounds.