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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
ALFRED BARR came to Iowa in 1854, and now owns a good homestead in Adams Township, of which he has been an honored resident for many years. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1815, and lived in the Buckeye State until he was fifteen years of age, then removed with his parents to Indiana, and resided until 1854. He received careful training and a good common-school education; after reaching manhood he was married, Nov. 9, 1841, to Miss Maria Marquis, a native of Darke County, Ohio, and born in 1823. Of this union there were born six children: Ziba L. was killed at Corinth, Miss., by the accidental discharge of a revolver, which was being cleaned by his messmate; the ball entered his side and his death was instantaneous; Smith M. was elected Sheriff of Mahaska County in 1878, and held the office four terms; upon the expiration of his last term of service, Jan. 1, 1886, he was chosen Warden of the penitentiary at Anamosa, Iowa, and at present fills that position; Marq. Barr, as he is generally known, had achieved an enviable reputation as Sheriff, and few, if any, peace officers were more courageous or efficient than he; in his new position as Warden he is displaying equally fine executive ability as officer and disciplinarian; Moses S. lives in Adams Township; Mary M. is the wife of W. H. Sleuth, and resides in Indiana; Carlton B. is a guard in the State Penitentiary at Anamosa; Laura P. is the wife of M. D. Gilchrist, County Treasurer of Mahaska County, and resides in Oskaloosa. Mr. Barr, upon coming to this State, entered a quarter section of land, and he afterward doubled his possessions. The home farm consists of 160 acres of excellent land in good cultivation, and upon which the improvements are first class. Politically our subject is a Republican, and has for years been recognized as one of the wise and prudent counselors of his party. Mr. Barr is a man of fine business ability, and has made life a success by the exercise of good Judgment in the management of his affairs. He is recognized as a leader, both socially and politically, and ranks among the progressive farmers of the county. His home is a hospitable place where may always be found an abundance of good cheer, and the genial proprietor stands deservedly high in the esteem and confidence of a large circle of acquaintances.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy