Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Barber, William C 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 1:28 am

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

WILLIAM C. BARBER, A. B. By reason of his ability as a financier, Mr. Barber 
has been brought into prominence among the business men of Joliet. He is one 
of the native born citizens of Joliet, a son of Royal E. Barber, who for so 
many years has been identified with the history of the city. Here he was born 
February 25, 1863, and in the public schools he laid the foundation of his 
education. After graduating from the high school in 1880, he matriculated in 
Hamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., and completed the course of study in that 
institution, from which he graduated in 1884, with the degree of A. B.

Returning to Joliet, Mr. Barber became interested in the abstract business, in 
which he has since engaged. On the 1st of January, 1889, he succeeded to the 
business which had been established by his father in June, 1857, and which 
antedates any similar enterprise by fourteen years, being the oldest office in 
the county. In the building erected by his father he has since had his office. 
At the same time he acts as agent for the Barber building. He superintended 
the construction and has charge of the electric light plant which furnishes 
light and power for this building, as well as some adjoining.

Perhaps Mr. Barber is best known through his connection with the liquidation 
of various loan and building associations. He was appointed liquidator of the 
Borrowers and Investors Building Association, the Second (formerly Peoria) 
Building and Loan Association, and the Waukegan Borrowers and Investors 
Building Association, all of Joliet, with assets aggregating $300,000. This is 
the first instance on record where such affairs have been closed up in this 
way, and it is proving more economical for the shareholders than the method 
heretofore followed. The quarterly statements issued by the liquidator are 
models of accuracy, conciseness and clearness, and the manner in which he is 
conducting affairs is proving most satisfactory to those concerned.

Since 1887 Mr. Barber has been a member of the board of directors of the 
Joliet public library. From that time until 1896 he held the office of clerk 
of the board, but resigned the clerical position in the latter year. In the 
work of Central Presbyterian Church he has taken an active interest, and has 
served as trustee of the church and treasurer of the Sunday-school. He is a 
charter member of the Stone City Union Club, in whose activities he has been a 
potent factor. While he has never sought prominence in politics nor positions 
of responsibility in the gift of the people, he has always had strong opinions 
concerning public questions, and has actively supported the men and measures 
of the Republican party. He was married in this city in 1889, his wife being 
Margaret A. Spangler, daughter of Ezra L. and Agnes M. (Love) Spangler. She 
was educated in Joliet and is a graduate of the high school. The two children 
born of their union are Ruth and Ralph.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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