Biography of George E. Bare - Monroe Co. WV The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume III, pg. 620-621 GEORGE E. BARE. In the family of Bare the traditions of ability, honor and worth left by those who have gone beyond set a worthy precedent which the present generation, and that from which it sprang, have followed, to which they have added a life chapter that must prove an inspiration and a positive incentive to those destined to come after them. Among the worthy exponents of the family's in- tegrity and executive ability of the present generation is George E. Bare, former postmaster of Alderson and ex- sheriff of Monroe County, and a man universally esteemed and respected by his fellow-citizens. Among the early pioneers of Greenbrier County was Jacob Bare, who came from Augusta County, Virginia, about the year 1700, and after living for a time near Lewisburg moved to Monroe County. Not much is definitely known of this early settler, but tradition says he was a worthy man, well calculated to withstand the rigors and hardships of the frontier. During his latter life he kept a toll-gate on the Kanawha Turnpike. He and his wife were the parents of John, Samuel, Jacob, Betsey and possibly others. John Bare married Nancy Smith, and of the thirteen children born to them but three, Samuel H., Benson M. and Wilson W., are now living, and these three have chil- dren and in some instances grandchildren. Samuel Bare mar- ried Polly Smith, a sister of his brother's wife, and their five children were Jacob, Isaac E., John H., Paulina and Virginia, and of these only John H. is now living. Jacob Bare, another son of the pioneer Jacob, never married, but passed his life as a bachelor in the vicinity of his birth- place. The Bare's are related by marriage to the Smith, Bal- lard, Lynch, Nichols and other families well known in southeastern West Virginia. As a rule they have been Methodists in religion and republicans in politics, but ex- ceptions are not unusual. During the war between the states they were sympathizers of the Southern cause, and a number of the name served gallantly under the flag of the Confederacy. Invariably they have been law-abiding and highly respected people. Isaac Erskine Bare, a son of Samuel and grandson of Jacob Bare, was born in 1831 and died January 30, 1912. He was twice married, first to Sarah F. Lynch, and after- ward to Margaret Surber. For a time he operated a flour mill, and then conducted a shoe repairing shop, while officiating as a magistrate. He was highly respected for his many estimable traits of character, his public-spirited support of enterprising and progressive movements and his loyalty of friendships. He was the father of five sons and one daughter (who died in infancy) by his first marriage: Henry C., George E., Eugene, Chase and Edward; and by his second marriage had a son, who also died in infancy. Henry C. Bare, the eldest of the children of Isaac E., was one of the finest characters who ever lived in this section. For years he was a merchant at Alderson and for a score or more of years was superintendent of the Methodist Sun- day School. His life was an inspiration, without blemish. George E. Bare, the second son of Isaac Erskine Bare, was born September 27, 1858, and received a common school education. As a youth he mastered the art of telegraphy, and for some ten years served as operator for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad and the Norfolk & Western Railroad, but in 1895 gave up this vocation for mercantile pursuits and from then until 1901 was employed as a clerk in the store of his brother, E. Chase, at Alderson. Upon President McKinley's second election to the presidency Mr. Bare was appointed postmaster of Alderson, but before the appointment could be confirmed the president was assassin- ated. However, Mr. Bare was appointed by President Roose- velt upon his succession to the presidential chair, and by President Taft when he was made chief executive. He acted as postmaster in all for a period of about twelve and one-half years, during which time he discharged his duties in an entirely capable manner and advanced the efficiency of the service. In 1916 he was elected sheriff of Monroe County, an office in which he also established a good record during his four-year term. Since leaving the latter position his life has been one of semi-retirement. He is a republican in politics and a Mason and Odd fellow fraternally, while his religions connection is with the Methodist Church. The first wife of Mr. Bare was Mrs. Betty Holmes, the daughter of James Howell, and the widow of John Holmes, by whom she had one daughter, Catherine, the wife of Frank Van Vranken, who resides in Los Angeles. Mr. Bare's second and present wife was formerly Mrs. Dora E. Wilson, the daughter of Allen Ellis and the widow of George Wilson, by whom she had one daughter, Myrtle, the wife of W. E. Altizer, of Huntington, West Virginia. Submitted by Valerie Crook **************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. 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