Weld County, History of Colorado, BIOS: BARBER, William M. (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 September 29, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 247-248 WILLIAM M. BARBER. William M. Barber, alert and energetic, constantly actuated by a desire for legitimate advancement in the business world, is now occupying the important and responsible position of superintendent of the sugar factory of the Great Western Sugar Company at Windsor, and is splendidly qualified for the duties and responsibilities that devolve upon him in this connection. Mr. Barber was born in Belleville, Kansas, in August, 1882, a son of Henry T. and Sarah E. (Isham) Barber, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. The father was a carpenter by trade and in early life removed westward to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then became a resident of Oakland, Iowa, where he took up the work of contracting and building, which he followed for many years or until 1912. when he retired from active business and became a resident of Deer Wood, Minnesota. There he has since resided in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. His wife died October 14, 1896. William M. Barber was reared and educated in Oakland, Iowa, and in early manhood enlisted for service in the United States army, with which he was connected for three years, being stationed during that time in the Philippine islands for two years and tour months as a member of Company F, Twelfth United States Infantry, being discharged as sergant. After his military experience was concluded he entered business life as a structural iron worker and was thus employed for a year. He afterward traveled over the country for another year and in 1904 he came to Weld county, Colorado, and accepted a position in the sugar factory at Eaton, where he remained for four months. He then came to Windsor and tor a year was employed in the sugar factory in the latter place. Later he went to California, where he worked in a sugar refinery, assisting along mechanical lines for four months. He was next in the employ of the American Beet Sugar Company at Oxnard, California, for two months and on the expiration of that period he returned to Windsor, Colorado, where he again entered the employ of the Great Western Sugar Company. He was made beet end foreman and held that position for two years, after which he was advanced to the position of general foreman and so served for three years. He was next promoted to the assistant superintendency of the plant at Fort Collins, where he remained for a year and in 1917 was recalled to Windsor to become superintendent of the factory at this place, in which position he has since served. His long experience in connection with the sugar industry has made him familiar with every branch of the business and he is thus splendidly qualified for the work to which he now gives his time and attention-the direction of the operation of the Windsor plant. The value of this industry can scarcely be overestimated at this time. Years ago Germany, secretly preparing for the war, began concentrating on the production of the four kinds of food which are needed to maintain men in a physically fit condition-proteids, fats, starches and sugar-and particular attention was given to the production of the sugar beet, until now that country produces much more sugar than its people can use. America, with no thought or desire to engage in military activity, pursued her peaceful way, but today, aroused by the struggle, she is putting forth every energy to produce foods that must sustain her armies, her allies and her people and thus the value of the sugar beet industry cannot be overestimated. Mr. Barber, therefore, is doing a work of great worth in this crisis and long and thorough training has well qualified him for the important duties that devolve upon him. On the 12th of March. 1907, Mr. Barber was united in marriage to Miss Zelma M. Forgy and to them have been born two children: Barbara M., who was born April 12, 1908: and William F., whose birth occurred March 15, 1917. The parents are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Barber is also an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but while he is a stalwart advocate of its principles, he does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. On the contrary, he gives his time and his energies to his business interests and to such duties of citizenship as can be performed without taking office. He stands for progress and improvement in all those things which have to do with the upbuilding of community and commonwealth and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further public progress.