Absalom Barns
Kittitas Co., WA

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Contributed by:  Shelli Steedman 4/20/2007

Absalom Barns, better known as 'Pet' Barns, a well-known rancher of the west
side and a Kittitas Valley pioneer of 45 years ago, died yesterday morning at
the home farm after a long illness from acute Bright's Disease.

Mr. Barns was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, 69 years ago.  At the age of
four his family moved to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he lived until grown.
He then moved to La Crosse, Wis., and from there came to Kittitas County,
taking the train to San Francisco, the boat from there to Portland, and making
the rest of the distance on horseback by way of The Dalles.  He arrived here
July 4.  Mr. Barns did no use his homestead right here, bt ranged cattle and
then bought the west side farm where he has lived ever since.

In February 1880 he married Miss Melinda Geddis, daughter of S. R. Geddis,
another well-known pioneer.  Mrs. Barns died February 29, 1903.  Seven children
were born, all of whom are living-Mrs. A. L. McCumber of Puyallup; Homer Barns,
a farmer of the west side; Mrs. Coda Miller of Modesto, Cal.; and Earl,
Chester, Dewey and Bernice Barns, all at home.  All the children were at home
at the death of their father.

Mrs. Isabelle Short of LaCrosse, Wis., and Mrs. Jesse Whittier of Spokane are
sisters.  Mrs. John Catlin of the west side who died here in 1910 was a sister
and a twin brother, Charles Barns, died June 30, 16 years ago, his funeral
having been on the same date as Mr. Absalom Barns will be.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock at Bridgham's undertaking
parlors.  [Burial at the IOOF Cemetery].