Biographies:  William H. BARNES, Eau Claire, Eau Claire Co., WI 

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William H. Barnes, Councilman of the new commission form of government of 
Eau Claire, Wis., is the son of David P. and Mary (Grinsell) Barnes, and was 
born in Eau Claire June 16, 1875.  His father was a native of Plattburg, 
N. Y., and his mother of the Province of Quebec, Canada.  The father came to 
Wisconsin in 1858, locating in Eau Claire, where he engaged in various lines
of business, conducted a livery stable for a few years, engaged in the sale 
of agricultural implements for 20 years, and for 27 years was janitor of the 
courthouse.  While in that position he acted as deputy of nearly all the 
offices of the county.  He is now (1914), at the age of 77, living retired 
in this city.  Of his seven children, six are now living, viz.: Pheobe, wife 
of W. J. Brown; Margaret, Bessie, Horace, William H. and Grace.

William H. was reared in his native city, receiving his education in the 
public schools and local business college.  He learned the machinists' 
trade, which he followed for fifteen years.  Politically he is a Socialist 
and is the first one of that party to hold office in Eau Claire county, 
having been elected councilman for a term of six years in April, 1912.  He is 
a member of the Machinists' Union and a staunch supporter of the principles 
of unionism and an active union worker.  His wife, whose maiden name was 
Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of John and Nellie (McGraw) Fitzpatrick, of Eau 
Claire, to whom he was married in 1912, is also a supporter of unionism, 
being a member of the Typographical Union.  Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the 
parents of two children -- Mary and Elizabeth Barnes.

--Taken from "The History of Eau Claire County, 1914, Past & Present",
page 647.