James Barry

BARRY

Posted By: Roger Cox (email)
Date: 2/24/2007 at 13:43:51

No better farmer, perhaps, is to be found in Adams county than the subject of this sketch. He is a true Irishman, remodeled on the American plan. He knows a good farm, has made one and understands keeping it in order. As a progressive and enterprising citizen he has few equals in his township.

Mr. Barry was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, November 7, 1825. He came from the Emerald Isle to America in 1866, landing in Quebec and going from there to Utica, New York, being accompanied by his wife and seven months old child. In Utica he worked three years and a half in a woolen factory. In 1870 he came to Clinton county, Iowa, and farmed on one place eight years. He then came to Adams county, to the place where he now resides in Washington township. First he bought eighty acres, to which he subsequently added three other eighties, the whole comprising a half section of Adams county's richest soil. Here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His house is conveniently located on the section road, and is sheltered and beautified by a fine grove.

In Ireland, January 7, 1865, Mr. Barry wedded Miss Catherine Smith, daughter of Patrick and Lucy Smith, both of whom died on their native Isle. Ten children have been added to this union, six of whom are living, as follows: Anna, wife of T.T. Waters; Sarah, wife of T.S. Hatton, has two children William and Thomas; Patrick James, Katie and Michael.

Mr. and Mrs. Barry are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is Democratic.

... from Biographical History of Montgomery and Adams Counties, Iowa published in 1892.