My Genealogy Hound

JAMES D. BARNES, a progressive farmer of Prescott, born in Pelham, Mass., August 27, 1827, was son of Dwight and Violet (Mellen) Barnes. Mr. Barnes’s great-grandfather, Eli Barnes, was an early settler of Hardwick, Mass., where he became a prosperous farmer and resided for the remainder of his life. He raised a family of nine children, respectively named: Dwight, Harvey, Horace, Lucius, Eli, Lyman, Sophia, Minda, and Fanny. Of these the only one now living is Lucius Barnes, a resident of Ware, Mass.

Dwight Barnes, father of Mr. Barnes, was born in Hardwick. He first settled in Belchertown, and later in Pelham, where he owned and successfully managed a good farm. He possessed a strong constitution, was a tireless worker, a Democrat in politics, and lived to the age of sixty-four years. His farm is now occupied by Arthur Barnes. His first wife, Violet (Mellen) Barnes, died at the age of thirty years. His second wife was Lois Kingfield, who passed her declining years at the home of James D. Barnes. Mr. Barnes was the father of three children, as follows: James D., the subject of this sketch; Estus H., who died aged sixty-five; and Joseph M., a resident of West Ware.

James D. Barnes received his education in the schools of Pelham, and at an early age commenced life as a farm boy, receiving for wages thirteen dollars per month. He continued to work as an assistant upon different farms until 1860, when he purchased the property on which he now resides. The farm, situated upon high ground, overlooking a considerable portion of the surrounding country, is conducted upon modern principles. Its appearance, together with the excellent condition of the buildings, tells the sterling qualities of the owner. He has no specialty; but, while conducting general farming operations, he is seldom found without some fine cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served the town with ability for two terms each as Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and Road Commissioner. He is a Master Mason and a member of Bethel Lodge.

On November 25, 1858, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Mary J. Upton. She was born in Prescott, and was a daughter of Otis and Minerva (Shaw) Upton. Both parents were natives of Prescott. The father’s occupation was that of stone mason, and he was over eighty when he died. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have had five children, namely: Addie Leola, who died at the age of eighteen; Eugene and Herbert W., who are in the meat business in Prescott; Allie L. and Clarence, who are engaged in farming. Mr. Barnes is highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen, and his sons are well and favorably known in the community as bright and active business men.