Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2026 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet 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 USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ============================================================================= The Clarion Democrat Thursday, 1 March, 1900 HON. W. W. BARR The saddest incident of the fire last Tuesday morning was the sudden death of JUDGE BARR. When the flames were fiercest, like a flash the intelligence passed through the crowd that the Judge was dead, and all paused with blanched faces in the presence of this greater disaster. WILLIAM W. BARR was born in Centre county, Feb. 15, 1827. His grandfather and great-grandfather came to this country from Ireland and settled in Mifflin county, after- wards removed into Centre county, where his father WILLIAM BARR was born and resided. His grandfather, DAVID BARR, served in the Revolutionary War. He had three daughters and one son, the father of the subject of this sketch. THOMPSON BARR and ALEXANDER BARR, formerly resided in this county, both are now dead. Of this family of nine children, three sisters and one brother are now living, all residing in the state of Illinois. At the age of sixteen JUDGE BARR left his father's farm and engaged in school teaching and study. He was admitted to the bar in 1852 and was engaged in the practice of law to the date of his death. He was transcribing clerk in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg in the session of 1852-53. In April of the latter year he came to Clarion and opened a law office. In 1854 he was elected District Attor- ney, and re-elected in 1857, serving six years. In 1861 he was elected County Treasurer, serving one term. In 1864 he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature and again re-elected, serving two terms. In 1869 he was again elected District Attorney and re-elected in 1872, making in all twelve years service in this important and responsible position. Upon the death of JUDGE WILSON in 1891, GOV. PATTISON ap- pointed him President Judge of the 18th Judicial District, which position he filled with honor and impartiality. He had also been called by his fellow townsmen to fill numer- ous local offices and never failed the trust repose in him. At the time of his death he was a trustee of the Clarion State Normal School and one of the trustees of the Masonic Lodge, both of which positions he had held for many years. He was one of the earliest and oldest members of the Masonic lodge in this place and had served three terms as its Wor- shipful Master. He had also been for three years District Deputy Grand Master for this section of the state. In 1859 he was married to Miss MARY PRITNER, daughter of Dr. JOHN PRITNER, a prominent physician of this county. They have but one child living, a daughter, now Mrs. W. A. HETZEL of Pittsburg, who with his wife survive him. In all relations of life JUDGE BARR has used a useful life. A loving, kind and indulgent husband and father, an upright, honest and enterprising citizen, a faithful atten- der and liberal contributor to the church of which he was a member, the Presbyterian, and untiring and devoted mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, believing that its teach- ings and precepts made those taking upon themselves its obligations better men and citizens in every walk of life. But to the mass of his accquaintances he was only "JUDGE BARR," simple and approachable, kind and courteous, honest and conscientious, safe in counsel and firm in standing for the right, worthy of receiving the esteem and confi- dence of all. In brief summary we may say, JUDGE BARR was a noble American citizen and gentleman. ===============================================================================