Husband John Scott Barr 1 2 3 4
Born: 26 Jan 1827 - Somerset Twp, Washington Co, PA 2 3 4
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Died:
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Father: William Barr (1797-1838) 2 4 5
Mother: Mary Boyd ( -1876) 2 3 4
Marriage: 25 Nov 1852 6
Other Spouse: Mary S. Pattison ( - ) 1 3 6 - 26 Jan 1865 3 6
• Additional Image: John S. Barr.
Wife Mary Gibson 3 6
Born:
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Died: 12 Mar 1855 3 6
Buried:
Father: James Gibson ( - ) 3
Mother:
Children
1 U [Infant] Barr 3
Born:
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Died: in infancy
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2 F Mary Barr 3
Born: Feb 1855
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Spouse: Rev. James M. Duncan ( - ) 3 4
General Notes: Husband - John Scott Barr
After the death of his father, which took place when he was less than twelve years of age, he took the principal management of his father's farm, consisting of 110 acres, one payment to pay on that; and by hard work and economy, and with the aid of a good mother, was added to the home place over 200 acres more.
In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican, and held various township offices, serving six terms as school director, and in 1872 was elected commissioner of Washington County, Pennsylvania. In response to Gov. Curtin's call for men to repel Lee's invasion of Maryland, he enlisted in a company at Canonsburg, which became part of the Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and equipped at Harrisburg, carried by rail to Hagerstown and then marched toward Antietam expecting to get to the battle field that evening; but night came on, and they encamped in a nice piece of woods by the roadside, struck their tents and put out pickets. About dusk word came that they would be attacked by Imboden's Rebel cavalry that night; a vote was taken whether they would retreat or stand their ground, and the result was that they should stay. Every gun was loaded, and about 9 o'clock the commissary wagon drove up and a number of shots were fired into it; the mistake was soon discovered, no one was hurt, and no "rebs" came. After Lee's retreat into Virginia, they were disbanded and sent home. In May, 1889, he was appointed a manager of the State Reform School at Morganza, for four years, by Governor Beaver. Here from 300 to 400 boys and about 100 girls were educated and taught useful trades. In June, 1891, when the Citizens' Bank of Canonsburg was organized, he was elected one of its directors. When sixteen years of age he united with the then Seceder Church of Pigeon Creek (later United Presbyterian). He was chosen an elder when thirty-five years of age, thus holding the place of father and grandfather. In April, 1888, he and his wife and family removed to their residence in Canonsburg, and united with the U. P. Chartiers Church of that town. [CBRWC, 242]
He obtained his education in the public schools of Somerset Township, Washington County, but on account of the early death of his father, had many responsibilities placed early on his shoulders. Under his management the land was cultivated and he took upon himself the education of his brothers and the proper rearing of the family of fatherless children. He not only preserved the original tract of land, but added to it until he owned 300 acres. He disposed of one farm and of his coal lands to a large degree when, in 1888, he retired to Canonsburg. He still directed his agricultural affairs as formerly, but took no part in them.
In early life, Mr. Barr was identified with the Whig party, but later was a stanch Republican. In 1872 he was elected a county commissioner and served three years and two months in that office. He served for over 18 years as a member of the school board and was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as a manager of the Reform school for four years. [TCHWWC, 728]