Samuel B. Barnard, p. 919

SAMUEL B. BARNARD is a prosperous agriculturist of unusual culture and brilliant business faculties, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of West Bethlehem township. The Barnard family is of Scotch origin, the early ancestors having emigrated from Scotland to America, where they settled in Washington county, Penn.

Ignatius Barnard, a son of these pioneers, and grandfather of subject, was born October 25, 1762, on the home farm in West Bethlehem township, this county. In early life he married Elizabeth Lewis, of Virginia, who bore him children as follows: Mary (Mrs. William Buckingham), James (who married Julia Bricker), Samuel (mentioned below), Ignatius (who died in infancy), Permelia (Mrs. Joseph Wise), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Ross), Nathan (who married Hannah Zollars), and Catherine (unmarried).

Samuel Barnard, father of subject, was born December 1, 1796, in West Bethlehem township, and after receiving a limited education began life on the old homestead, which he afterward inherited. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and very successful in his chosen vocation. On April 6, 1826, he married Eleanor Barnes, who bore him five children: John (who died in infancy), Demas (mentioned presently), Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Mrs. George Gayman) (twins), and Eleanor (Mrs. Isaac Kinder) (deceased). Of these children, Demas volunteered at Grafton, Va., and entered the Washington Cavalry, under Capt. A. J. Greenfield. He was wounded in Virginia, and when told that his hours were numbered he said to his captain: "They say I must die. I would like to live a while longer to kill more traitors." He died mourned by every comrade, February 12, 1863, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, near his home. Mrs. Barnard died February 23, 1839, and on March 12, 1843, Samuel Barnard was united in marriage with Elizabeth Drake, who passed away August 10, 1860, and January 26, 1881, Mr. Barnard followed her to the grave.

Samuel B. Barnard was born August 31, 1835, on the home farm, where he assisted his father in the management of his estate until the Civil war began. The farmer was then quickly transformed into a Union soldier, enlisting October 14, 1862, in Company E, of the "Ringgold Battalion." He was a gallant and efficient defender of the flag, taking part in many important engagements, and was eventually transferred to Company F, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry. On July 19, 1865, he received an honorable discharge. At the close of the war he returned to the home farm, which he has since conducted very successfully. On June 12, 1884, Mr. Barnard married Mary L. White, whose parents were early residents of Washington county, Penn. Of this union were born five children, viz.: Twin daughters, born June 15, 1885 (deceased); Samuel W., born June 20, 1886; Mary Eleanor, born February 3, 1888, and Charles L., born October 3, 1890 (deceased). The home farm contains 145 acres of valuable land, situated in the southern part of West Bethlehem township. In politics Mr. Barnard is a Republican, and has filled various offices of trust satisfactorily to all concerned. He is honored as a man and as a citizen, and, having achieved prosperity by honest effort, fully merits the reward he has won.

Text taken from page 919 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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