Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Karen D. Foster for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================== U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================== Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ========================================================================== SOURCE: History of Genesee County, Michigan pub. Everts and Abbott - 1879 Page 279 ALEXANDER BARBER Among the residents of Flushing who were during their lives held in great esteem, the person above named is one of the first to be mentioned. His birth occurred Oct. 17, 1815, among the hills of the town of Morrisville, Madison Co., N. Y. April 15, 1838, he was married to Amanda Smith, who was also a native of Madison County, the date of her birth being May 24, 1816, and the town, Hamilton, of classic notoriety. In the spring of 1839 they buried an infant son, and in June of the same year Mr. and Mrs. Barber removed to Michigan, stopping until fall with Mrs. Barber's brother, Simeon M. Smith, in Groveland, Oakland Co., where he had settled early. He after- wards came to Flushing, where he died. Upon their arrival in Flushing, Mr. Barber and his wife located on a farm on the west side of Flint River, four miles below the village. Mrs. Barber's father, Ezra Smith, came to the township with his wife and one son — Ezra Smith, Jr. (the latter having his wife and two children with him), — and both owned land down the river. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barber, and both died in infancy. Mr. Barber's principal occupation was that of a farmer, although much of his time was spent in teaching school — principally winters — in both New York and Michigan. In 1865 he moved to Flushing village, where his widow still resides. During the last ten years of his life he had the agency for several insurance companies, among them the "Watertown," of Watertown, N. Y. He was a firm Republican in politics, and one of the most prominent citizens ofthe township, as is evident from the fact that for many years he was electedto its various offices, and honored with the trust and confi- dence of those whom he represented. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Flushing, with which Mrs. Barber is still connected, she having, before her marriage, united with the church of that denomination at Hamilton, N. Y. The farm Mr. Barber settled on when he came to this township he purchased from second hands, yet no improvements had been made upon it. Until he and Mr. Smith could erect board houses on their own places, they lived in a small shanty on the Brent farm. Mr. Barber's board house, when completed, was twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions, and one story high. The hardships the settlers endured in those early days are scarcely to be described, but they live vividly in the recollection of those who experienced them. Sick- ness was added to other trials, and many times were the dwellers in the wilderaess discouraged at their gloomy prospects, but the end truly crowned the work, and success and prosperity at last smiled upon them. A couple of years after he settled, Mr. Barber met with a serious accident. While riding his Indian pony in the pursuit of his township duties, it fell with him and crushed his foot badly, and he never fully recovered the use of it. This and his age prevented his acceptance as a volunteer during the Rebellion, which circumstance he very much regretted. He suffered much from sickness, especially during the last eight months of his life, and a combination of the most serious diseases finally caused his death, on the 27th of February, 1878, and those who were acquainted with him and knew his worth were called upon to mourn the loss of a respected friend and citizen, while the wife who had stood by him in trial and in prosperity was left utterly alone, to mourn till she, too, is called. ========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our free online information by going to the following url: http://www.us-data.org/ ==========================================================================