O. B. Barber's biography Caledonia Township, Kent County, Michigan

SUBJECT: O. B. Barber's biography
Copyrighted by: Dennis Zank 1999
DATE: Aug 01, 1999
SURNAMES: Bale, Andrus, Mason, Nichols, Campbell, Barnusm, Baker, Smith
O. B. BARBER, representative pioneer , was born in Auburn, N. Y., Nov.
8, 1820. He is third child of Ira and Esther Barber, natives of Vermont.
His grandfather, an Englishman, came to America prior to the American Revolution,
and his father was engaged in the second conflict between America and Great
Britain. Mr. Barber was reared on a farm and educated at the common school.
In 1838 he went to Galesburg, Illinois, and two years after to Macoupin
county, that State, Where he remained until February, 1849, coming then
to Caledonia, where he purchased a farm on 114 acres on sec. 26, on the
old Battle Creek and Grand Rapids stage route, then the sole thoroughfare
of the forest. The long succession of coaches seen in those days slowly
winding over the Government roads were known as pioneer trains; Indians
and wild beasts still held possession, and the first settlers made their
way through diffculties and obstacles that would appall the generation
of to-day. Mr. Barber was one of 13 voters at a town meeting in 1849, but
five of whom survive. At that meeting Mr. Barber was elected Assessor and
Highway Commissioner; since which he has officiated as Township Treasurer
one year, Drain Commissioner five years, and Justice of the Peace 16 years.
He was appointed Postmaster in 1861, and retained the position 18 years.
In former days he was Whig, but has advocated Republican principles since
the organization of that party. He was married Oct. 4, 1843, to Abbie J.,
daughter of Joseph B. and Nancy (Andrua) Mason, born in Lebanon, Grafton
Co., N. H., July 22, 1822. They have had 10 children, eight of whom are
living. Following is the record:- Mary E., born Aug. 4, 1844 (Mrs. Geo.
W. Barber); Maria L., Oct. 19,1845 (Mrs. Owen A. Nichols); Wm. O.., June
7, 1847(married Ruth Campbell); James M., Sept. 19/1851 (married Ruby Barnum);
Emma E., Oct. 22, 1853 (Mrs. Wm. Baker); Estella E., April 3, 1860 (Mrs.
Lewis Smith): Fred R April 8, 1862; Frank M., Feb 13, 1864; Walden W.,
March 7, 1849, died in September, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Barber are members
of the M. E. Church.


From Chapman's History of Kent County
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