My Genealogy Hound

J. BEATTIE BARBOUR, now engaged as undertaker and embalmer in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, is a worthy descendant of an old Scotch family. His great-great-grandfather, William F. Barbour, was one of three brothers who emigrated to America, and settled in Lancaster county, Pa., early in the eighteenth century, one finally removing to Ohio, and the other to Virginia. From these three brothers sprang the various Barbours in America, The Lancaster branch moved later to Mt. Holly, Pa., thus becoming early settlers of Cmnberland County.

William F. Barbour (2) son of the emigrant, lived and died in Lancaster county, devoting his entire life to farming.

William F. Barbour, (3) son of William F. (2) was a prosperous and energetic pioneer, who became quite prominent in his locality. By trade he was a millwright, and he followed that occupation until his death. He possessed the sturdy honesty and strict morality of his race, and was looked upon as a thoroughly upright citizen.

William F. Barbour, (4) son of William F., (3), was born on the old Barbour homestead in Cumberland county. July 24, 1846, He married Ellen Cline, who was born in Perry county in 1855, daughter of Jacob Cline (who was born in Perry county, son of a German emigrant) and his wife Caroline. William F. Barbour and wife had four sons: J. Beattie; William Foster; M. Garfield; and L. Sadler.

J. Beattie Barbour was born on a farm three miles east of Shippensburg Nov. 27, 1872. He passed his boyhood on the farm, remaining at home until his eighteenth year, although his attendance at the district school ceased with his fourteenth year. In 1892 he began to learn the business of undertaker with J. R. Elm, of .Shippensburg, and continued with him until his death, after which he became manager of the business for the widow, an arrangement which lasted one year. He made a thorough study of the business of undertaking, and has read and consulted the best authorities extant on embalming; he has acquired a good business, keeping three hearses and a sufficient number of good horses. He received in 1896 a diploma from the Clark School of Embalming, and in 1900 from the Renard Embalming School of New York City. Mr. Barbour is prompt in responding to a call, and his naturally sympathetic nature enables him unostentatiously to perform the necessary duties, and also to relieve the afflicted ones of much that tends to increase their sense of loss.

In April, 1897, Mr. Barbour was married to Miss Edna Earley, daughter of G. Edward and Mary (Ritchey) Earley, old residents of Cumberland county. Mrs. Barbour was educated in the public schools of Shippensburg, and was graduated from the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, after which she taught school for one year. She is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Barbour have one son, George Edgar. Mr. Barbour is socially connected with the Cumberland Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F.; the M. W. A.; Cumberland Lodge No. 315, F. & A. M.; No. 452, K. G. E.; Minnequa Tribe No. 375, I. O. R. M.; Cumberland Valley Council, No. 207, O. U. A. M.