Individual Re

olds BARBER
Ids BARBE

Name:

23 May 1860

Birth Date:
r. Date:

Place:

Green Oak, Michigan

Place:

18 Jun 1935

Death Date:
Burial Date:

Place:

Kalamazoo Michigan

Place:

Cause of Death:
Temple:

Bapt.(LDS):
Endow.(LDS):

Temple:

Father:

Samuel Lemuel BARBER-(5318] (1833-1897)!MRIN:1808J

Mother:

Elizabeth FIELD-[5319] (1834-1891)

Marr. Date:

25 Dec 1882

SealS (LOS):
Children:

Place:

Emmet County, Michigan

Temple:

1 Ivy Dell BARBER-[5335] (1883-

2 Lynn Irving BARBER-[5334] (18873 Donald

R. BARBER-[5815] (Abt 1890-

4 Burton Milton BARBER-[5336] (1891-

)
)

Notes for BURTON R. BARBER:

Author: IVY DELL BARBER BOYNTON
Subject: Burton Reynolds Barber
Date Written: May- 1941
Type: Essay - Lovingly dedicated to the five grandchildren
The Essay reads as Follows:
(copy on file)
BURTON REYNOLDS BARBER
"Burton R. Barber was born in Green Oak, Livingston County, May 23,1860. His father was Samuel L., and mother
Elizabeth Field Barber-whose mother lived to be 96 years old. He had a brother, George, four years old, and a sister,
Anna, two years old at that time, and brother, Harry, born years later, who died at the age of sixteen . George and Anna
are still living-George in Bellvue, Wash ., and Anna in Harbor Springs. As a very young child he remembered his father
and the men as they trained out on the hills for war service in the Union Army-1862-4. His father enlisted three times
before being taken and then for two years he cared for the sick and wounded-was in Co. A, 11th Mich. Cav. The family
lived on the farm until he was 12 years old then moved to Brighton, where he attended school until March 1875, and
then they all moved to Harbor Springs, in northern Michigan , where they did some real pioneering work. Many Indians
lived around there. Aunt Anna says she was one of three white girls then living there-not much sociability for a girl of 16
years.
Today she is the oldest person in that county in years of being a resident. They saw very poor times and had many
reverses-so much so, it inspired my father to do something to get ahead in life, and what hurt him most was to see his
mother work so hard and go without the necessary and needful things to make life happy.
On one of the windows dedicated in the Presbyterian church there you can see their names-Grandma Barber was a
true Christian and a lady greatly loved.
In 1885, Rev. Newell Dwight Hillis boarded and roomed with them. Later going to Harry Ward Beecher's large church in
Brooklyn, N.Y., and well-known among Presbyterians.
During 1875, my father, then 15, entered the employ of Hartwell and Feltus, a wood and lumber company, as clerk in
their general store, working there about two years , when they sold out toW. E. Parker, and he continued with him for a
year and, in 1878, on account of health, went back to the farm and outdoor work. Fall and winter of 1878 and '79 the
family spent on Beaver Island.
Fall and winter of 1879 and '80 -he went to Tallman, east of Scottville, and worked in lumber woods for Butters - Peters
Co. all winter, skidding log's, driving, cattle and second cook at camp , patching his mittens every night. He saved his
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first $150.00 this winter. Gave $40.00 to his folks to pay taxes, and invested $95.00 in a village lot."
Summer of 1880 helped his folks on farm and this is his accounts
"Then in September went to help Burt Weston in General store for $6.00 per month and board for first six months, later
receiving $15.00. Then in 1881 received small raise and became head clerk over General store and added Hardware.
In September -1882 went into half interest partnership with Freeman Salisbury and bought out W . W . Bowers Grocery
business.
On December 25, 1882 married Sarah E. Newkirk.
March 1883 sold out our interest in grocery store for $300.00 and in April went to work for Burt Martendale $40.00 per
month and in two months Martendale failed losing last $40.00 pay.
In July went to work for W . J. Clark $30.00 for 9 months and $40.00 for 3 months per year. This was the best jobs
offered those days steady every day and sure pay and work, guess we did step- 6 to 6:30 A. M. to 9 or later every day
vacations not known then .
The summer of 1884 we built our first little house on the lot at third St.
The summer of 1885 we gave up our first little house built, to father and Mother Barber to move into and we took their
100 acre farm up on Shore Road with a mortgage against it for $600.00 and we moved into Mrs. Washburn's house on
Main St. at $8.00 per month rent.
In the summer of 1886-we moved into Pearl Sexton's house at foot of Bluff at $4.00 per month.
In the fall of 1883 (Sept.) lvydel was born and in 1887 (Jan.) Lynn was born.
In April 1887 we bought a team of ponies and went up on farm; also fine cow, pigs and chickens, and we did work,
believe me. Mid-August helped Clark at odd days about 20 days when he was in a pinch. Raised about $80.00 worth of
tomatoes. Had plenty to live on for coming fall and winter. But sold off everything in fall and worked for A. J. Southard General Store and Banker. Living in Rooms at Father and Mother Newkirk's until spring of '88. Had paid off the
mortgage on the farm .
In the spring, April 1888, we borrowed $600.00 on farm and went to Grand Rapids and bought stock Groceries from
Shields Buckley and Lemon for $1150.00. Paid in $600.00 and went on our credit and nerve. Had enough cash to pay
the freight on goods to store on East Main St., Harbor Springs. In rented store at $4.00 per month also living in 3 small
back rooms with Ivy and Lynn, our babies. Did we get business? I say! The good folks of the town did come and trade
with us. Indians did come in flocks, so to speak. They gave me name of a "Fieety Bird ," "Skoopinashee" at a feast time,
also the same time Clark the man I worked for his name "W. J. Wabigig" "Great wise old man ." Business came so fast
we hardly could keep up with it. Had to put on delivery wagon and I went over to Beaver Island and bought a fine black
pony. Had delivery wagon made in Harbor Springs for $38.00. I never forget these things. I picked up good harness and
wasn't I proud when the outfit was complete and I sat behind own rig . In August I worked out and so sick. Father Barber
and Harry ran the store for 6 weeks and she made money and wife and my mother took care of me and Dr. Cannon
pulled me out ok and back on the job.
The following spring 1889 we bought the house on Third St.
In the summer of 1890, we built a fine or good 7 room house at West Third St., West of Episcopal Church also 24x32
barn we were setting fine doing big business. Then we moved into our new house about first of December.
On December 24, brother Harry died . Father and Mother came over and stayed with us 3 or 4 weeks after Harry died .
We soon sold the house in east end . During the summer we took over Hartwell Shoe Stock from Creditors-Ford and
Co., Toledo, Ohio and gave my note for the full stock few hundred dollars at this date, have forgot how much the stock
cost but I think about $800 and I bought for 40% on the dollar their cost.
Then I th ink I sold the farm out and got about $300.00 or little over the mortgage. Then I went to Grand Rapids and
bought about $800.00 bill shoes and we added to-fast.
Took over C. W. Caskey office building 12x34 and moved up on corner of Center and Main St. Cost us $40.00. Also
moved our stock to the corner building by side of Shoe Store we started , Father Newkirk clerked for us in shoe store.
In summer of 1890 I took Brother George in as partner giving him 1/2 interest with all privileges as my self. I took his
note for all of it, no interest, to get them started . In August 1891 Milton Burt was born .
In the fall of 1892 I had a sick spell coughing and couldn't stop.
I bought a span of horses, harness, and sleighs $295.00 from a mossback that thought the world was to come to an
end soon and he sold all his possessions. Yet in 1934 the world still stands. I drew in over 340 cord 18" wood and
corded up to become dry then made 50c cord extra on cord because of doing it.
In the spring of 1893 we sold out every thing I was dissatisfied for all we had good big business as both families
dreaned the profit and I couldn't be held back. We sold out to George Adams.
The summer of 1890 our store was broken into on saturday night and our safe was blown open lost about $120.00
cash. I say had it not been for brother George we would of lost over $500.00 for I had put cash in safe and he came by
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and said "here don't leave that there all night." So I said, "you take care of it" and he did . Boys 10 days later found checks
and paper by side of R. R. tracks over in weeds and returned to store ok.
We had hundreds of dollars standing on our books to collect and a big lot of loss we never got.
First of April 1893 I started for Chicago or West to find a place for Commerce General Cash Store and was hooked at
Fennville by Grand Rapids Dry Good - Shoe and Grocery firms who had Bankrupt stock to sell. I think we paid 55c on
the dollar for the stock of about five thousand dollars as we remember now. Well what change took place left our good
new home, moved what few house hold goods we had and wife and children came down to join me. Rented old house
and put things in order. Commenced business. Trade did come slow but sure. We moved $2400.00 Shoe Stock also.
In the spring of 1894 we bought a lot and built the Brick house at East Main St. , Fennville. As one of the evidences of our
achievements and happy times spent there. As one place our kiddies never can forget such family gatherings we had.
Christmas and etc ..
What a loss came to us on Jan. 25, 1895. Fire had that morning sweep the whole block by 8 :00 A. M. and we could
gaze on the smoldering smoke and ashes thinking of our business gone and loss of over $12,500.00 stock gone and
did no one any good . Carried 4 thousand dollar insurance owed 2 thousand on winter goods came into store and about
$500.00 on new spring shoes just came into store day before and owed freight bill on them. This left us over $1900.00
to start over again. Only one store left in town to do our kind business in and a man had a lease on that. We bought him
out then adjust with insurance companys. Such an experience we had. We had a real standing with past firms who
gave us all the goods we wanted to stock up a real store again and away we went again in less than a month. How we
did prosper paid dollar for dollar on every obligation and claim our success all we owe is being "honest with yourself,"
which will not allow others to suffer from your conduct in life.
Our encouragement and advice came from such men as L. J. Ringe and Logie, Sam Lemon and credit man R. J.
Prendergust, Higgenbotham credit man of Marshall Field and Co. Chicago. Also in early business such a man as
Rowe, sold me car of flour (I wasn't worth much) founder of Valley City Mill Co. and Lilly White Flour. Those were men I
gleaned some valued advice from .
Well about three years later we built the double store (Brick) at Fennville (1898-9), and moved into it. Happy days these
were for our kiddies too such interest in our progress. We sold the 7 room house at Harbor Springs built in 1890. That
helped out a lot as we were paying off loans and we could use money to make money. Our double store gave us room
to expand and we did in all lines yearly."
End of His Account
"Besides his interest in Sunday School he was President of Christian Endeavor Society, and one July 4th started
across the State some 150 miles to go to Detroit to the Convention of Endeavors-45 miles a day was considered good
mileage (horse and buggy days) and Dad always had good horses to drive. He left the rig at Hamburg or Whitmore
Lake and went on by train .
In 1906, the year after Elon came to Fennville, Dan Shannon was our Evangelist and one day we were at Hutchins Lake
where he was baptising a number. Dad was there watching, and suddenly be walked down to Shannon and talked a
bit, came back to the buggy, rook off his coat and left his watch with us and returned and was baptised, leaving his
pocket-book still in his pocket. The folks had come into the Baptist Church by letter from the Presbyterian Church.
Mother being immersed many years before.
In those years our town had 4 saloons and when the question of local option came up, father used to go out speaking
on the temperance side.
In April1902 father bought the Dan Davis' farm , one north- west of Allegan, 79 acres for $3,350.00 and Uncle George
and family moved there and managed it for some time. Then later another place was purchased in Trowbridge Twp.
and Uncle George moved to that one and Ben Kinney and wife moved to the former one.
Later they were sold and went into Kalamazoo property.
In those days we children were given advantages that have been dear to us these many years. Besides the business
side of experiences, they gave us opportunities in the music field .
Lynn attended Orchard Lake Military Academy when it was a real school and was In the orchestra of 25 pieces. He had
had very good violin teachers-Prof. and Mrs. Weed before going there and we had had our own little orchestra Burt M.
playing clarinets, I the piano, later Burt played the piano. The summer of 1904, Uncle Ed and Aunt Anna Ferguson
invited us to furnish the music for noon and evening meals and especially on Sundays at their summer hotel in Harbor
Springs. (What good times we had ! )
The folks gave me two years at Albion College -1 "majored" as they say, in a Business course first year and Music the
second year.
Burt M. later took Business course at Parsons College at Kalamazoo. At the present he is playing the Hammond Organ
at the Bethel Church there, where he has been pianist for 25 years.
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Father used to get us the latest musical selections at Lyon and Healy's whenever he went to Chicago to buy goods-was
so thoughtful.
In 1907 Lemon and Wheeler Wholesale Grocers of Grand Rapids urged father to be their manager of the new branch
wholesale at Kalamazoo and in October Father, Mother and Burt M. went to live in Kalamazoo and into a new house at
510 Oak St. which they bought for $3,250.00."
CLIPPING
From Fennville Herald-Oct. 1907- when folks moved to Kalamazoo:
"Mr. Barber has always taken a deep interest in the Up- building of Fennville especially along educational and moral
matters. He has served faithfully as a director of the school board, is a member of the Free Baptist Church and served
for five years as a S. S. Supt.
He is treasurer of Damascus lodge F. and A. M. and is also a member of the K. 0. T. M.
Mr. Barber's success is largely due to plenty of push, hard work, and perseverance, having faith in what he undertook,
honest with himself and his patrons and always striving to improve his condition along moral as well as financial lines.
"
End of Clipping
"Lynn and I continued with the store at Fennville. He was married June 16, 1909. I was married the next Jan. 18th, 1910
and went to Kendallville, Ind., to live. Their gifts to us at these two occasions were an interest in the business to Lynn
and to me $500.00.
The folks bought a lot at corner of Paterson and M. Burdict and built a large building 2 stores wide below and 3
apartments above each having five rooms and bath.
Lynn moved here with the Fennville stock of goods in 1911 .
The store building in Fennville was sold and in 1935 or '36 was divided and a grocery stock is in the west side and
restaurant in the east side. Our old safe with father's name on it is still used in the grocery side.
Later the stock of goods were sold and a trade was made and a four apartment house was bought on John St. across
from Bronson Hospital, now a Methodist Hospital.
The folks' next building was on the corner of Portage and Washington St. and at this date Burt and Helen are occupying
it with a nice dry goods line.
Lynn and Lila moved to Flint in 1914 and went into business there.
In Jan. 1914 father and mother went to Florida for the first time and spent 2 months.
In the spring of 1916, father bought the grocery stock in Battle Creek, and Burt and Helen and Elan took the stock to
manage.
In the spring of 1917 Burt took part of the stock and returned to Kalamazoo and Elan continued four years more in Battle
Creek. Then in Oct. 1921 we moved back to Kalamazoo and occupied the new store building the folks built for us that
summer at 145 Burr Oak St. The 7 rooms and bath on second floor were very nice and pleasant, and I enjoyed them
much. A "dumb waiter' saved many steps for me.
In 1924 we sold stock and moved to Lansing and the building is rented to Krogers.
In 1925 the folks bought a cottage at West Lake and later traded it for a lot at Portage and Vasser.
In the fall of 1917 father got a cold that settled in his bronchial tubes and bothered considerable so the Dr. suggested
Florida and they got ready and left in four days and the sunshine and outdoors soon had him well again, and he knew
that was the place for him and so settled for the winter in St. Petersburg. They bought a little place at 524 7th Ave. North,
and later sold that in the winter of '19 and '20 and built two nice white stucco bungalows each having 2 apartments of 3
rooms , hall and bath, and a 3 car garage between. This is at the corner of Dartmoor and 9th Ave. North.
There they attended the Presbyterian church, corner of 3rd St. and 4th Ave. North, and enjoyed it so much. There was a
large men's class, taught by a real fundamental Baptist preacher- and father did like his teaching!
They left their membership in the Kalamazoo Pres. Church and gave $600.00 when the new church and church house
was built. Father was on the committee in about 1918 when Rev. Wert Dunning was chosen as pastor, which he
continued until 1938 when he resigned to be President of Alma College.
For a number of years father was an active quoit player and enjoyed such sports. Skating in the earlier years he also
enjoyed.
Father and mother were members of the Michigan Society nearly from its beginning and he was elected Vice President
in the spring of 1935, having refused offices as President and others many times. The membership is very large,
numbering some years around 1400 or 1500.
On December 25, 1932 father and mother celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by giving a dinner at a hotel for
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several couples of their friends-4 couples also passing their 50th anniversaries at about that same time.
Mr. and Mrs. Putney of Kalamazoo were on the entertainment committee of the Michigan Society that winter and they
arranged a complete surprise for these couples, but because of illness of several, only father and mother were present
that evening meeting of December 15, 1932 around 600 being present.
The program was as follows:
"I Love You Truly"-Bond
" At Dawning"-Cadman
"Wedding March"-Lohengrin
" Recessional "-Mendelsohn
"Put On Your Old Gray Bonnett"
"When You And I Were Young, Maggie"
"When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver''
"Silver Threads Among The Gold"
Minister presiding, Dr. J. A. McClure (their pastor)
Soloist and Song Leader-C. S. Cornell
lone Miller Brubaker-Accompanist
L. B. Putney-Master of Ceremonies
President-George B. Selby
Vice-President-Andrew Sweazie
Secretary-Alice Dewey
Treasurer-Henry W . Smith
Program Committee - Mrs. E. S. Dean
Mother was given a beautiful bouquet and later the "blue bonnet with the blue ribbons on it."
Refreshments of ice cream .
Particular friends through these years are Mr. and Mrs. Perry Atkins, of Kalamazoo and St. Petersburg.
We as a family got together on June 18, 1933 to celebrate at our home-1002 So. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing , Michigan
- Lynn and Lila bringing the beautiful wedding cake.
May 23rd, 1935, back at their home in Kalamazoo, father had his 75th birthday and apparently feeling as well as usual.
On May 30th they drove over to the cemetery at Fennville, and had a nice day. On the way home he remarked , "some
day they will be taking us over for the last trip," and that proved true so soon, as on June 18th, he passed away so
quietly with only a short 2 weeks and one-half of illness.
The sunshine he loved so much , came out so beautifully at the last services at the cemetery that it seemed like a real
benediction sent from above.
He was not afraid of work, but enjoyed it, glad for the chance of living, enjoyed company, glad to see young people get
started right in their life's work, was very kind in his home and with us children , and helped us in so many ways all thru
life a real father.
His good judgment was shown in the good christian girl he chose to be our mother and they together worked out their
life as quite an ideal one.
He took care of whatever they had-business, houses, good driving horses, autos, or whatever it was-and when it came
to finance and credit he had that and tried to instill into us the real values of life-one phrase he used many times, "Be
good and you'll be happy."
Two days before he left us we were in an upper room and talking of spiritual things thru the past years, and he was so
happy-it's been a real blessing to me since.
Father and Mother could have traveled more, had more pretentious homes and what not, but choose to help us, in
business ways, in order to help ourselves and not be a burden on some one else-and to have a little to fall back on in
time of need or old age.
Yes, I am thankful to God for the Christian parents He gave me."
IVY DELL BARBER BOYNTON
May- 1941
Census: 1870, Green Oaks, Livingston County, Michigan, page 85, Post Office Brighton. 10 years old living with his
Mother and Father
Census: 1880, Little Traverse, Emmet County, Michigan, page 393A. 20 years old living with his parents

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Census: 1900, Manlius, Allegan County, Michigan, page 1 A.

Line 11, Barber Burton R., head, Birth Month May, birth year 1860, 40, married, number of years married 17, born in
Michigan, Father born in New York, Mother born in New York, occupation general merchant
Line 12, Sarah, wife, birth month April , birth year 1864, 36, married, number of years married 17, mother of how many
children 3, number of these living 3, born in Michigan, Father born in Canada, Mother born in New York
Line 13, Ivy D., daughter, birth month Sep., birth year 1883, 16, single, born in Michigan
Line 14, Lynn 1., son, birth month Jan, birth year 1887, 13, single, born in Michigan
Line 15, Milton B.,son , birth month Aug, birth year 1891 , single, born in Michigan
Census: 1910, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, page 22A
Line 9, Barber B. R., head, white, 49, married, number of years of present marriage 27, born in Michigan, Father born in
New York, Mother born in Michigan
Line 10, Sadie, wife, 46, married, number of years of present marriage 27, number of children born 4, number still living
3, born in Michigan , Father born in New York, Mother born in New York
Line 11 , Bert M., son, 18, single, born in Michigan
Census: 1920, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida, page 17B
Line 91, Barber Burton R. , head , home owner, 60, married, born in Michigan, Father born in New York, Mother born in
New York
Line 92, Sadie E., wife, (can not read age), born in Michigan, Father born in New York, Mother born in New York
Census: 1930, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, page 158A
Line 7, Barber Burton R., head, owned home, value of real estate $5,000, 70, married, age at first marriage 25, born in
Michigan, father born un U.S., Mother born in U.S.
Line 8, Sadie, wife, 55, married, age at first marriage 20, born in Michigan, Father born in U.S. , Mother born in U.S.

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