My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT BARR, farmer, Sec 6; P. O. Le Roy; one of the early settlers of McLean Co.; born in Frederick Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1811; his father, Peter Barr, was born in Virginia, and followed milling until 1818, when he removed to Franklin Co., Ohio, where he died in 1825; his mother s maiden name was Margaret Basteyon; she was born in Virginia, and died in McLean Co., Ill., July 12, 1871. The subject of this sketch returned to Virginia after the death of his father, and followed milling until he emigrated to Illinois, and located upon Sec. 6, Town 21, in what is now Empire Township, in the winter of 1837. He first purchased 120 acres of land, upon which was a log-cabin with sod chimney, in which he lived two years, when he built a frame house, doing all the labor himself, cutting the timber, framing and finishing. This was the first frame house for several miles. In this house he lived until 1860, when he erected his present residence When Mr. Barr came to Illinois, he had not the means to pay the postage upon a letter. He was the oldest son, and for several years supported his mother, three brothers and three sisters and his mother until her decease. He has battled with fortune until he now owns 285 acres of land with good buildings. His marriage with Mary Jane Gasaway was celebrated Dec. 29, 1868; she was born in Rosa Co,, Ohio, May 14, 1846; four children were the fruit of this union-Ada born March 1, 1870, died Aug. 14, 1871; Robert Lee, born Oct. 1, 1871; Carrie, Jan. 1, 1874 ; Nellie Dec 21, 1876. Mr. Barr was Assessor of Empire Township eleven years; has held the offices of School Director and Commissioner of Highways. Mrs. Barr was daughter of Thomas Gasaway who emigrated from Ohio and located in Empire Township in 1857, where he still lives.