American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-03-19
OBITUARY..

Another OF the pioneers of civilization in the
Valley of the Monongahola, venerable with
years and venerated for his virtues, has paid the
penalty of our human nature, and sleeps with
his fathers.
JOHN S. BARNS was born in that part of Mo-
mongolia county, commonly known as "Cheat
Neck" on the 18th day of December, A. d. 1851.
In the year 1888, his father, Thomas Barns, re.
turned to his farm near the mouth of Buffalo
creek, now in the county of Marion, where he
had planted corn in the year l776, but whence
he had been driven by the Indians, before he had
gathered the fruit Of HE labor. Here tho subject
ofthis notice grew into manhood, and continued
to reside until the 22d day of February, 1858,
when he died, in the 18th year of his age. 70
During his long life he maintained an anblcm.
ished reputation in all his relations to society,
and Illustrated, in an eminent degree, the unos-
tentatious but valuable teristics of 30 cd
private citizen.
lie never sought, Or desired, public Office -
lie served, during several years, as a Justice of
the Peace, but it was when there were no emol-
umcnts pertaining to the office, and when the
discharge of its duties implied only sense of
public duty, without honor or profit.
Prominent among his virtues was generous
hospitality, which welcomed the strang or, ind
his friends, to his house and his board and the
| genial cordality Of the host was ever the rich
est element in the entertainments
As a son, he was dutul and he verified Gods
promise to him who Z" honors his father and mo-
ther,'' for his "days were long in the land"
As a husband, he was faithful, considerate and
kind. To him there was ''no place like home"
Here he sought, and found, and richly enjoyed
the pure pleasures of domestic happiness.
AS parent, he was no less worthy. Nine
| children were born to him. OF those, one died
! during infancy, and another, Mrs. Mi norva Wat
son, died recently, triumphing in the faith ofthe
! gospel. All tho others are members of some
branch Of the Christian Church. Thus, he bro't
| up his " children in the nurture and admonition
Of the Lord" Although he never formally uni
tod with church, yet he was man of prayer,
and his house was a house of prayer; and be.
meath his hosptabe roof the ministers of the
gospel ever found a warm reception and a safe
retreat. ..a.
! As citizen, he was equally exemplary
/ Although he never aspired after political dis
tinction, he always manife sted lively and
patriotic interest in all public measures, and
ever rejo iced in whatever contributed to the wei
fare and glory of his country.
As dJriend, he was true, consta Mt and gene r.
Gus. Among the virtuous, he had no enemies
and, it among tho vicious there were those who
were hostile to him, it was because they were
Vicious.
If this sho IT record exhibits none Uf tbote adj
mring features of character by which the pubic
admiration Is usually attracted, it furnishes
nevertheless, traits OF character highly com
mcndable, and really none the less worthy OF
appreciation because they are such as do not
generally command the public Appreciation
Bor, how much of the true happiness and glory
ola country consists in the private virtues off is
citizens ! And he who faithfully performs the
duties OF son, husband, father, friend, ncghbor
deserves to be remembe red by the public.
/ Honor and shame from no condition rise;
Acf vel your Part, there all The honor Hss.n