Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1913-04-09
Obituary-JoeI Allen Barber.

Joel Allen Barber was born in
Cambridge, VT, March End, 1884,
and died March 31st, 1913, aged 70
years and 30 days.
He leaves a wife. four daughters
and one son, the daughters being Mrs.
J. L. McLain and Mrs. w. F. Taylor,
both of Geneva, Florida. and Miss
Anna Barber and Mrs. A. u. Knapp,
of Lancaster The son, Addison.
lives in Los Angeles, Cal. He leaves
also one brother, Amherst W. Barber,
of Washington, D. G.
In his early youth, Mr. Barber took
up the profession of surveying, COM
ing to Northern Wisconsin in the late
SOS to engage in government surveys
along the shore of Lake Superior.
around the present sites of Ashland,
Bayfield, and Superior, and upon some
of the adjacent islands
His brother Augustus was with him
a part of the time and the two young
men saw no other white faces, often
for months at time, but lived among
the Chippewa Indians, learning their
language and learning also much of
woodcraft which was useful in later
years. This brother was drowned in
Montreal River on April %. 1856, the
tragic event being lifelong sorrow
TO the other members of the family.
After bout three years in the north
ern woods. MIR. Barber came to Ian
caster, where he had relatives, and in
1851 enlisted i'll the war of the Re-
bellion, serving 3 years in Co. Z. 25th
Wis. Inf
The story of the 25th regiment s
long marches, hardships and dangers
cannot be written here; but it is
written on many pages, and in many
hearts
He remained in the service of his
country until he was no longer need
ed, for peace had been declared
He returned to Lancaster with the
rank of 1st Lieutenenant and on July
30th, 1865, married Miss Maly Cover.
They made their home here and for
many years Mr.. Barber was County
surveyor of Grant county. Their
children we're all born in Lancaster
except the youngest, now Mrs. Taylor,
who was born in Florida, where the
family moved in 1884 on account of
MI. Barber's tendency to lung
trouble.
This was much lessened by the
southern climate, and they took up
their permanent residence there, re-
naming until 1907. when they re-
turned to Lancaster.
1t was evident at that time to
friends here that Mr.. BARRIERS health
had begun to fail; and this enfeebled
condition grew gradually worse. until
Monday. March IS, when he went
peacefully to sleep, never to waken
again on earth.
His patience and courage when
in pain, his gentleness and Apprecia-
ton, will ever be Remembered by those
who cared for him, but other memories
are equally dear; memories of days
when he was the loving companion of
his little ones, always ready to help
with studies or play, to invent new
toys or games, to care for and amuse
them. He was a we'll educated man,
especially fond of the higher mathe-
NAUTICAL studies; he had a fund of
knowledge of the various sciences and
was a reader of good literature, He
was of a quiet reserved disposition
among strangers, but loved his real
friends with an unusual fervency.
A simple creed was his; to take no
unfair advantage of any man, and to
fear nothing except untruth and evil.
His comrades in the war speak of his
invariable kindness and justice, but
he would not wish these virtues men
toned; it was 'all in the days
work. to him. Years ago he ex-
pressed hope that when his time
came 10 die, he might not be among
strangers-that his eye might be
closed by loving hands.
This wish was grati6ed for, after
many months of continued care from
his devoted wife, be was surrounded
by loved ones when the last summons
came. The funeral was held at p.
M, April End. Rev. Beers officiating.
The beautiful and touching ceremonies