My Genealogy Hound

T. J. BARNETT, retired farmer and merchant; P. O. Le Roy; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.; born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Jan. 21, 1818, At 13 years of age, he, with his father, Moses Barnett, emigrated to Illinois, and located in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., in the spring of 1832. He was engaged in farming, breaking prairie and teaming, during which he made frequent trips to Chicago with oxen, until about 30 years of age, when he engaged in the general merchandise trade at Le Roy, which he successfully followed until 1874, when, on account of failing health, occasioned by close personal attention to his mercantile trade during a period of twenty-three years, he retired from active business. In politics, he was an old-line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, which he then joined, and of which he has since been an active member. He has often been solicited to allow the use of his name as a candidate for the State Legislature, and other State and county offices, but, having no desire for office nor the time to spare from his business, he has always refused the use of his name for any office, but has done much in support of his party. He was a personal friend and acquaintance of President Lincoln. His marriage with Emeline Gibbs was celebrated Feb. 18, 1845; she was a graduate of Oberlin College; born in Belpre, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1818; six children were the fruit of this union, of which five are now living, viz.: Alice, born Aug. 19, 1846, now Mrs. John S. Young; Emma, July 1, 1848, now Mrs. Denton Young; Orrin, Oct. 13, 1853; Laura, May 16, 1856, now Mrs. William Brown; and George, July 17, 1858.