Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Barns, Nathaniel 1818 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 6, 2007, 2:40 pm

Author: Portrait & Bios Album, 1890

NATHANIEL BARNS. In all the broad expanse of the Mississippi Valley, no finer 
farms can be found than the Prairie State can boast. The agriculturists of 
this State are generally men of unbounded energy and good judgment, under 
whose careful management, the fertile soil yields abundantly of golden grain 
and various fruits in their season. In this county, Joliet Township is not 
behind other sections in attractive and remunerative farms. One of these is 
owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch and comprises one hundred and 
sixty acres on section 34. In the Empire State many years ago a babe was born, 
who grew to womanhood bearing the name of Rachael McGinnis. In the neighboring 
State of Connecticut was born and reared Isaac Barns, who met and married the 
worthy young woman, making a home in Rockland County, N. Y., where they reared 
a family of twelve children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the sixth. 
The gentleman of whom we write was born in Haverstraw, in the county above 
mentioned, June 18, 1818. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, early 
becoming thoroughly acquainted with the details of agricultural life and the 
enterprises connected therewith, and assisting as his strength would permit in 
the work of the home. He also obtained a good practical knowledge of the more 
important branches of education. Two years were spent by him in the State of 
Virginia, but with this exception he continued to make his home upon the 
parental estate until he was thirty years of age. During this time he was 
engaged in farming and stock dealing, and for nine years in the butchering 
business. In the spring of 1858, Mr. Barns turned his footsteps westward and 
reaching this country, purchased a farm and identified himself with the 
citizens of Illinois. Here he has since lived, successfully carrying on his 
chosen work and while securing to his family the comforts of life laying the 
foundation for ease in his declining years. His farm contains all the 
improvements which mark the homes of the better class of farmers, the 
buildings comprising a full set of adequate and substantial structures, and a 
good supply of improved machinery and implements being found in use thereon. 
An important step in the life of our subject was taken in Westchester County, 
N. Y., October 4, 1849, when he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Mary E. Thiell. 
This lady was born in Rockland County in 1829, and is a daughter of Jacob and 
Susan (VonBuskirk) Thiell, who were natives of the same county, where the 
father died. The mother breathed her last in Newburg, Orange County. Mrs. 
Barns is a woman of exceptionally fine character, strong, tender, and 
true, "whom to know is a liberal education." She has been an able assistant to 
her husband, by her wise economy and prudent management aiding in the 
accumulation of their present means, while to her children she has been a 
devoted mother, rearing them to useful and honorable lives. The affairs of her 
own household have not taken her entire thought, but she has been ready for 
neighborly deeds of kindness and sympathizing interest in all worthy 
movements. To Mr. and Mrs. Barns ten children have been born, of whom George 
Julian, Rosalia, Grace, Nathaniel Jr., Lizzie, John and Blanche are yet 
living; Emily A., Isaac and Edward are deceased. In politics Mr. Barns is a 
Democrat and to the party of his choice he never fails to give his vote and 
personal influence. He has held the offices of School Director and Assistant 
Supervisor, faithfully discharging the duties imposed upon him, and 
manifesting a deep interest in the public welfare. As a good farmer, a 
reliable citizen, and an honorable man, he is regarded with respect by his 
fellowmen, particularly in this section where so many years of his life have 
been spent and where he is so well known.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890

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