Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-09-09

On the farm of Wesley Durham, in NapRl-
con Tp., about o'clock Saturday afternoon,
Aug. 2Sth, 1886, killed instantly by lightning,
John Barnhart. He was engaged in boring
post holes for the setting of board fence
when becoming thirsty he had moved short
distance to small tree for the purpose of
obtaining drink of water from Jug under
the tree, and about which several of Mr.. Dur
hams children were congregated, none of
which, strange to say, felt any effects of the
shock. Mr.. Durham was engaged with his
team but few rods distant from the tree.
He was in the act of STOPPING to raise the jug
when struck by the fatal bolt, and falling
forward on his face expired before any one
could reach him. After falling he turned on
his back, folded his arms and crossed his
feet. His clothing was torn some and his boots
cut from his feet OF those that knew him,
none can but say good man has been taken
John Barnhart was born in Warren county,
o., March 18th, 1S43, and at the time of his
death was in his 43d year. He was left an
orphan at an early age; he and only brother
were brought to this county by relatives liv-
ing at Florida, and their early life was passed
for the most part in the family of their uncle
Adam Stout. An aunt, Mrs. Rebecca Lowry
resides at Napoleon.
| When organized treason hurled defiance al
our country's institutions and dared lift an
| impious hand to lower the stripes and stars
and dismantle our glorious union, he and his
brother holding their lives not dear unto
themselves nor counting the cost thereof,
placed them willing sacrifice upon the alter
of their country. In Oct, 1861, a boy of Is
years, he enlisted in Co. F. 68th O. V. I. Was
| afterward transferred to the 9Th 0. Ind. bat
terry; veteranized in the battle at Vickburgh,
Miss, Jan. 1st, 1864. Was discharged al
camp Dennison, o., Aug. 9th, 1866. Through
all the dangers and privations of those four
years of darkness and warfare his life was
spared, and when the wings of healing were
again spread over our land he was permitted
| to return to the home of his childhood, since
which up to the period of his death he has re-
sided at or near Florida, the sole survivor OF
his family. His only brother a member OF
Co. F. 68th o. V. dying in the summer of '6s
on boat at Keokuk, Iowa, while enroute
home, and was beloved by every comrade
| with whom he was associated. He was always
at his post ready and willing for every duty
always obliging and accommodating. Every
trial and hardship was cheerfully uncom-
plainingly accepted by him, and the pleas
ures that came in his way were accepted with
the same spirit. Not only was he loved
by his comrades but he possessed the fullest
trust and respect of all who knew him. Dur
ing an intimate acquaintance with him OF
upwards of 20 years, have yet the first per-
son to hear speak aught of i'll or an unkindly
W )rd of John Barnhart.
About the spring of 1867 he was married to
Miss Josephine Bronson, then a resident of
Toledo, with whom the years since then have
been most felicitiously and happily passed.
By this union he was the father of eight chill
dren, five daughters and three sons; the
youngest less than two years old and all of
whom survive his untimely death. Since a
year ago in April the oldest, son, has been
with relatives in Kansas. This large family
of little ones were wholly dependent upon
his daily labor for support. May the Divine
comforter raise up for them in their hour of
darkness and desolation friends to aid and
comfort.
Again has the reaper of death gone forth
and beneath his sickle keen a comrade has
fallen, one who has endured with you for
many day the weary march 'oer southern
hill and plain; has shared, your camps and
bivouacs; your pleasures and privations, and
mid whistling shot and screaming shell,
shoulder to shoulder, has faced grim death
with you on the field of conflict, and when the
edict Of peace went forth throughout the land
he returned with you to his boyhood home,
and in all the years that have come and gone
he has stood your firm devoted friend which
tie was more strongly connected by the bond
of comradship. Every comrade could but
feel stricken as if brother had fallen, and
with heads bent above his remains and feel
ingly say, here lies brave, true-hearted COM
rade with whom we have gladly associated in
the years that are gone and to whom we are
to give our assistance in according him the
rites Of a soldiers honorable burial and one
in every way most eminently worthy the hon.
or. Mete and right his form should be borne
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