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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOHN R. BARNES, Cashier of the Mahaska County Bank at Oskaloosa, and also a member of the firm of Boyer & Barnes, dealers in general merchandise in that city, has been a resident of this county since 1855. and has been closely connected not only with the advancement and progress that Oskaloosa has made, but with the development of the entire county. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1833, and is a son of Andrew and Eleanor (Robertson) Barnes, natives of Pennsylvania. The father came to this State in 1861, and died in the fall of 1874 in Scott Township, this county. His good wife survives him, and resides on the old homestead in Scott Township. John R. Barnes was educated in the common schools and at Mt. Union College, and, prior to 1859, was engaged in agricultural pursuits. During that year he formed a partpership with Dr. Boyer, at Rochester, in the mercantile business, which was subsequently removed to Belle Fountain, thence to Oskaloosa, in 1871, and is at present conducted under the firm name of Boyer & Barnes. Prior to and since the Doctor's death, which occurred Feb. 6, 1886, the business has been managed by his son, Frank D. Boyer. Mr. Barnes was one of the organizers of the Mahaska County Bank, in June, 1883, and since that time has been its Casbier. He was married Dec. 27, 1858, in this county, to Miss Mary R. Boyer, daughter of Dr. E. A. and Mary Boyer. Mrs. Barnes was born in Van Buren County, this State, and of her union with our subject eight children has been born, five sons and three daughters. The living are Edmund A., Andrew T., Nellie, Frankie, Fred, John R. and Mamie; William died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes attend the Presbyterian Church. In politics our subject is a Greenbacker. In the fall of 1877 he was elected County Treasurer, which office he filled for one term. He has also served as County Commissioner, holding that office from 1868 to 1871. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of Oskaloosa, a thorough and energetic business man, and a genial, whole- souled citizen and neighbor.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy