My Genealogy Hound

BARR, ROBERT, far., Sec. 19; P. O. West Point; a son of William Barr, who was born in Carlisle, Penn., in 1772, and, after attaining manhood’s estate, was engaged in transporting goods in the grocery line by teams purchased in Baltimore, and selling in Pittsburgh, a business he continued until his death; he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Bael; she was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1773; had three sons and four daughters; Robert was the second son, and fourth child, born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1808; when 6 years of age, his father died, and at the age of 16, he went to learn the tanner’s trade, which he followed until leaving his native county; came to Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged in selling goods, and various other occupations, until 24 years of age, when he returned to his native county where he united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of William and Martha Braden, nee Smith; she was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1814; her father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1784, and, at the age of 21, emigrated to America, finding a home in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he became an extensive stock-dealer. In 1810, he married Martha, daughter of George Smith, a native of Ireland; she was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1787; her father died there in 1825, her mother in 1834, leaving a family of six sons and one daughter. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Barr removed to Clarion Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming until 1847, when they emigrated to Iowa, settling first in Des Moines Co., and passed the first winter; in the spring of 1848, removed to West Point, and in 1849, to his present residence, where he owns 160 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre; have had eight children, six of whom are living — William W., born May 11, 1833; he enlisted in the 1st I. V. C., in 1862, and died at St. Louis, Sept. 14, 1863; Elizabeth, born Feb. 11, 1835, the widow of Thomas James, of Rhode Island; had one daughter, Mattie James; Benjamin F., born June 3, 1837, who enlisted in the same regiment as his brother, and died at Memphis, Sept. 30, 1863; he married Miss P. Johnson, daughter, of Seth Johnson; left one daughter, Ola R.; Martha J., June 15, 1839, died March 14, 1855; Mary L., April 15, 1841, a successful teacher; George W., Aug. 29, 1843 (he enlisted in 1st I. V. C. in August, 1861, serving four years, and participated at Little Rock, Prairie Grove and other places, now residing at Salt Lake City); Margaret, Oct. 26, 1845, a resident of Fort Madison; Nancy R., Sept. 21, 1847; Robert J., July 10, 1851. Republican; members of long standing in the Episcopal Church. He held office of Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk and School Treasurer.