William J. Barnes

William J. Barnes, an enterprising merchant of Fillmore, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 14, 1849. He is the third child born to Benjamin and Celinda (Vick) Barnes. They were both of English descent.

The father was a native of Northampton County, North Carolina, born December 25, 1816. The mother, a native of Southampton County, Virginia, was born June 28, 1818. In early life they immigrated with their parents to Ohio, where they were married in April, 1836. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Clinton County, where they lived until their deaths; the father’s occurred February 2, 1860, the mother’s January 30, 1881. They both died worthy members of the Episcopal Church. In politics the father was a Democrat.

William J. spent his early life in assisting his father on the farm, and received a good education in the common schools. After the death of his father, which happened about the time he reached his majority, he remained on the farm till his twenty fifth year, assisting his mother in rearing the family.

On October 28, 1874, he wedded Miss Mary E. Hinkson, also a native of Clinton County, born July 16, 1855. She was the daughter of John and Susan (Thorp) Hinkson. This happy union was severed by the death of his wife seven months after his marriage, May 28, 1875.

The following October he left home on account of ill health, and traveled in the Cumberland Mountains of Virginia and East Tennessee. In the early part of 1876 he left his mountain resort, and turned his steps toward the West.

On January 14 he stopped at Fillmore, and one year later opened a drug store, which he operated two years, after which time he went to Kansas, and remained six months. Returning to Ohio, he spent seven months in his native State, and came to Fillmore, and opened up his present business.

In March, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura I. Custer of Smith County, Kansas, born March 7, 1858. They have four children: Burrel B., Imo I., Lula L. and an infant. In politics he is a Democrat.