My Genealogy Hound

Joseph H. Barbarick, Sr., farmer of Third Creek Township, of Gasconade County, Mo., and a native of the same, was born in 1824, the eighth of nine children of Frederick and Elizabeth (Walter) Barbarick, both born in Cabarrus County, N. C., in 1785 and 1790, respectively. The father was left an orphan at an early age, and was reared by strangers. He received a common-school education, and when about twenty-five years of age removed to Indiana, and about two years later to Illinois. Three years later he came to Gasconade County, Mo., and located on Crider’s Creek, where her mother and stepfather, Daniel Crider, had previously located. Daniel Crider was also a North Carolinian, and settled in Missouri in 1818, where he improved the farm now owned by Henry Bier. Mr. Barbarick located on Crider’s Creek, about three miles above his father-in-law’s, where he lived until 1861, when his wife died. He then spent the remainder of his life with his children, and died in 1864. His son, Joseph H. Barbarick, is the only one of his father’s family who is now living. His entire schooling did not amount to over nine months, and that was obtained with considerable difficulty. He was reared among the Indians, with whom he played as familiarly as with his own brothers and sisters, until fifteen or sixteen years of age. Until he was quite a large boy his sole apparel was a loose deerskin garment. In all probability Mr. Barbarick is as well acquainted with the early history of the county as any man now residing there, and is, perhaps, its oldest native inhabitant. February 22, 1849, he was married to Mrs. Manerva Shockley, who died in 1866, leaving seven children. Mr. Barbarick married his second wife, Mrs. Hannah M. Shockley (nee Branson) in 1870, and she died in 1885; he then married his present wife in 1887. Since 1849 he has lived on his present farm, and is now the owner of 400 acres of good land. In 1861 he joined Company A, Missouri State Militia, and served six months as sergeant. About eight years prior and during the war he served as justice of the peace. Ho has always been an industrious and upright citizen, and is an earnest advocate for the cause of education. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been an earnest advocate of its principles. He and his last wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Barbarick tells an interesting little anecdote, concerning one of his early ancestors. His mother’s great-great-grandmother came to America when about sixteen years of age. While en route, the provisions gave out, and the crew and passengers alike were on the point of starvation. Lots were cast as to whom it should be who should give their life to preserve the others, and the lot fell to the girl. Two hours were given her in which to prepare for death, but before the time elapsed a vessel hove in sight and rescued the starving people.