Shelby County Indiana History & Genealogy - Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Barnes

The Shelbyville News
June 9, 1952
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Mrs. Mae Roe of the Thompson road has received word of the death of her cousin William Barnes, a Shelby county native, at his home in Kokomo. Mr. Barnes, who was 67 years of age, died suddenly Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. of a heart attack.
HE WAS THE son of Thomas and Ida (Hendricks) Barnes. Surviving are the widow and two daughters, a brother, Paul Barnes of Marion, and several cousins residing in Shelby county. Funeral services will be held at Ellers Mortuary in Kokomo Saturday at 9:00 p.m.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Early March, 1945
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ILLNESS FATAL
TO MRS. BARNES
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County Native Dies at
Home of Father
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Mrs. Leota Leona Barnes, age 55, died at 2:20 a.m. Monday at the home of her father, H. M. Howard, near Waldron. Ill for the past year and a half and in serious condition since March 1, death was due to complications.
Mrs. Barnes was born in Liberty township, the daughter of H. M. and Ida (Stansifer) Howard. On December 18, 1909, she was united in marriage to Edwin Forrest Barnes, who preceded her in death several years ago. Surviving, in addition to her father at whose home she died are two daughters, Mrs. F. B. Pope, of Akron, O., and Mrs. Otis G. Kuhn, of Waldron; three sisters, Mrs. Virgil L. Roberts, of Waldron, Mrs. W. A. Jones of Greensburg, and Miss Ethel Howard, at home, and one brother, Thomas B. Howard of Whitestown.
Mrs. Barnes was a member of the Waldron Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. D. P. Rowlette officiating. Burial will be made in the Vanpelt cemetery in charge of D. E. Carmony. Friends may call at the Howard home at any time.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
Thursday, February 18, 1943
Page 2 &nbs; column 6
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COUNTY&nbs; WOMAN
DIES&nbs; AT&nbs; HOME
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Mrs. Sarah Josephine Barnes, age 86, wife of Stephen D. Barnes, widely known county resident, died at her home five miles southeast of here, at 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Death was due to a complication of diseases and followed a long period of failing health.
She was the daughter of Elihu Parker Washburn and Mahala Barlow Washburn and was born near Hamilton, O., on January 8, 1857. On March 18, 1883, she was married to Mr. Barnes, who survives with a daughter, Mrs. Claytor Roe, of Hendricks township. A son born to the union died in infancy. Also surviving are two brothers, Otis and Fred Washburn, of Waldron; four grandchildren, Mrs. Thelma Cortelyou of Jackson township; Merle and Maurice Roe, of Washington, D. C., and Robert Roe, who is serving in the Hawaiian Islands with the U. S. Coast Gurad; two great-grandchildren, Lynda Kay Webb and Stanley Roe.
Mrs. Barnes had lived all her married life at the home where death occurred. She was a member of the Lewis Creek Baptist church.
Short funeral services will be held at the late home Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with final rites to be conducted at the Lewis Creek church at 2:00 o'clock. The Rev. James Paddock, assisted by the Rev. Robert McNeely, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in charge of Charles M. Ewing. Friends may call at the late home after 2:00 p.m. today until the hour of the funeral.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday August 23, 1933
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UNION TOWNSHIP RESIDENT DIES
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Funeral Services For Mrs. Idilla A. Barnes,
73, To Be Held Saturday P.M.
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SURVIVED BY 2 DAUGHTERS
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Idilla A. Barnes, lifelong resident of Union township, passed away at her home there Thursday evening at 5:50 o’clock. Death was the result of complications due to her advanced age. Although she had been in failing health for about a year, she had been bedfast for the past two weeks.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Gunning and was born August 22, 1860, being at the time of death seventy-three years and two days old. On November 6, 1879, she was united in marriage to William Barnes, who preceded her in death twenty five years ago.
Mrs. Barnes is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John Gordon, of Union township, and Mrs. Frank Bosley, of Huntington, West Virginia, three grandchildren, two brothers John and Elbert Gunning of Shelby county, and one sister, Mrs. Stella Goodrich of Union township.
She was a charter member of the Christian Union church of Rays Crossing, where funeral services will be read Saturday afternoon at 1:30. The Rev. O.J. McMullen will officiate and burial will be made in the Bennett cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday February 19, 1932
Page 2 column 3
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DEATH SUMMONS
COUNTY RESIDENT
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End Comes Suddenly Thursday Night
To Mrs. Julia Smithers Barnes
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BURIAL IN CITY CEMETERY
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Death occurred suddenly last night at 10:15 o'clock to Mrs. Julia Smithers Barnes, at her home four miles northwest of the city in Brandywine township. Mrs. Smithers [sic] had been in her usual health preceding her death and had performed her various tasks as usual. She was stricken at 8:00 o'clock and died two hours later of cerebral hemorrhage.
Mrs. Barnes was born in Shelby county, October 31, 1869, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roales. She has lived most of her life in this county and for a time resided in Shelbyville. Married in September, 1916, her husband survives. There were no children. Mrs. Barnes was the last member of her immediate family.
A member of the First Baptist church of this city, Mrs. Barnes was always an active worker in church affairs during her residence here.
Funeral services will be held from the C. F. Fix and Son mortuary Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in charge of Rev. A. E. Cowley. Burial will take place in the family lot in the City cemetery. Friends may call at the home up until 1:15 Sunday afternoon.

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Shelby County Marriages
Charles F. Smithers & Julia Roales
October 5, 1907
Book 19 page 125
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Julia R. Smithers & Harry Barnes
September 16, 1916
Book 23 page 85
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Contributed by Barb Huff for Sheila Maynor

The Shelbyville Democrat
September 30, 1924
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DEATH FOLLOWED YEAR OF ILLNESS
MRS. REBECCA J. BARNES PASSED AWAY TODAY
AT HOME, EAST OF THIS CITY.
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Apoplexy that followed an illness of more than a year, caused the death of Mrs. Rebecca J. Barnes, widely known woman, at her home two miles east of this city, at 10:20 o'clock this morning. She was the widow of Noah Barnes and had spent her entire life in this community, where she was highly esteemed and admired.
Mrs. Barnes underwent an operation for her affliction more than a year ago but failed to regain her health. She had been failing rapidly during the past few months, but her death is nevertheless a shock to her many friends. She was seventy years, four months, and twenty-three days old.
Mrs. Barnes was the daughter of the late James A. and Elizabeth Washburn and was born May 7, 1854, in Rush county. Her parents were among the best known residents of the section and were early settlers in the community. The marriage with Mr. Barnes took place Jan. 1, 1879, and one child was born. Mr Barnes has been dead a number of years.
She was a member of the Little Blue River Baptist church and throughout her life had been prominent in the religious affairs of her neighborhood. She was a friend to every one she met and her acts of mercy and kindness will be remembered for many years to come.
Surviving is the daughter, Mrs. Roberta Brown, residing near the home of her late mother; two sisters, Mrs. Mattie Barnhorst, of this city; and Mrs. Norah West, of Chattanooga, Tenn; also two grandchildren, Charles and Rebecca Brown.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home and burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery. The Rev. Benjamin Ingram will officiate at the services, and the arrangements are in charge of R. T. Stewart, undertaker.
Contributed by Richard Weightman

The Shelbyville Democrat
Tuesday, September 25, 1923
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NOAH BARNES DIED
AT HOME NEAR CITY
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HAD RESIDED ON FARM
WHERE HE DIED FOR
PAST THIRTY THREE YEARS
------
Noah Barnes, sixty-nine years old, a native of Shelby County and a resident here during his entire life, passed away Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, at his home in Addison Twp, two and one half miles northeast of this city. His death was caused by a complication of diseases from which he had suffered for some time. Monday, he suffered a stroke of apoplexy which, combined with his illness resulted in his death.
Funeral services will be held at the late home in Addison Township Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev E.H. Boldrey, pastor of the First M.E. church in this city, officiating. Burial will be made in Forest Hill Cemetery, in charge of R.T. Stewart, funeral director.
Mr. Barnes was one of the well known farmers of this community and had met with great success in agricultural lines during his lifetime.
He was born in Union township, March 29, 1854, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Barnes. For 22 years he resided on the farm where he was born and had lived, at the place of his death for, the past 33 years.
On Jan 1, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie R. Washburn, who survives. He was a devoted member of the Little Blue River Baptist Church.
Besides the widow, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs Ethel Roberta Brown, of near Gwynneville, a brother, K.E. Barnes, of Greenfield, and one sister, Mrs. Fidelia Rees, of Indianapolis.
Contributed by Richard Weightman

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, April 30, 1913
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John Raymond Barnes.
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John Raymond Barnes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Barnes, residing eight miles south of this city on the Norristown pike, died Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock after an illness of several days with pneumonia. The child was born May 29, 1909, and at the time of death was three years, eleven months and one day old. He is survived by his parents and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Gunner and Mrs. Thomas. Funeral services will be held at the Lewis Creek Baptist church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment will be made in Lewis Creek cemetery in charge of Hageman & Hendrickson of this city.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday July 9, 1909
Page 2 column 1
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TRAIN KILLED WYATT BARNES
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Man Who Was Well Known In This County In Fatal Accident
At His Home Near Delaware, Illinois
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RETURNING FROM WORK
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When Crossing The Tracks
He Did Not Notice The Fast Approaching
Passenger On The Same Track
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Wyatt Barnes, who died at his home near Delaware, Illinois, last Friday, was well known in this city and county. The following dispatch from Delaware says:
Last Thursday evening, while going home from his day’s work, Mr. Wyatt Barnes was struck and fatally injured by the south bound passenger train that is due at this place at seven-four. He had been mowing weeds along the road during the day and had been up town and left the mower at one of the blacksmith shops for repairs. When crossing the railroad going home, he did not notice the approaching train until to late and failing to clear the tack, the back wheel was struck, which shattered the wagon and threw him to the ground with terrible force, injuring him very badly about the head and mangling his left leg so badly than an amputation was necessary. Dr. Hawk, the C. & A. physician, was called and the operation was made Friday about noon and owing to his advanced age and weakened condition he was unable to revive from the shock and succumbed about five thirty in the evening.
An examination was made Sunday morning and an inquest was held by Deputy Coroner, J.E. Mason, Tuesday forenoon. A jury consisting of John Mount, Judson Randolph, Wm. M. Codington, G. Whitmore, J. Stiegart, and the following witnesses were examined; Charles and Thomas Ward, George Walker, H. A. Bailey, the engineer and fireman that were on the train and Dr. Holmes and Maclay.
Very few facts were brought out by the inquest, farther than concerning the speed of the train, the location of the city limits and the direct and indirect cause of the death. The verdict turned in by the jury was that the death was caused by accident.
Wyatt Barnes was born in Shelby county, Indiana, Septermber 5^th, 1834, residing there until he was fifty-five years of age, coming to Tazwell county, Illinois in 1889, where he lived up until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Barnes, and two children, one son William J., of this city, and one daughter, Mrs. Della Studyvan, of Tremont. The deceased was a very highly respected man as a husband, father and citizen, and his sudden and tragic death came as a blow to our community.
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Marriages
Wyatt Barnes & Sarah Ireland
December 30, 1855
Book 6 page 60
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Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday February 18, 1908
Page 1 column 4
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DEATHS – FUNERALS
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(From Monday’s Daily)
William Barnes, a prominent resident of Union township, died at the home of his brother-in-law, John Gunning, Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, after an illness of several days of lagrippe. He was fifty-five years of age. Death came very unexpectedly. Mr. Barnes, until stricken with the prevalent disease, being in good health. Saturday afternoon the body was moved from the home of Mr. Gunning to the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Gordon, from which place the funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o’clock. Interment was in the Bennett cemetery in charge of Edwards & Hageman. Deceased is survived by a widow, two daughters, Mrs. Arnold Haehl and Mrs. John Gordon, two sisters, Mrs. Hemsley Sleeth and Mrs. Amos Vaught, and one brother, Hamilton Barnes.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
May 3, 1907
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Mrs. Margaret Barnes Dead.
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Mrs. Margaret Barnes died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Hugh Lemasters, 181 south West street, Thursday evening at 5:30, aged eighty-five years, two months and twenty-two days, of pneumonia. Mrs. Barnes had also been suffering with a cancer for several months. Deceased leaves four children, Mrs. Susie Vaught, William Barnes, Mrs. Anna Sleeth and Hamilton Barnes, all of this county. Seven grandchildren ans seven great grandchildren also survive. She has been a member of the Pleasant Hill M. E. church for years. Funeral services will be held at her late home tomorrow afternoon at one o'clock. The Rev. J. T. Scull will officiate. Interment in Mt. Pisgah cemetery in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Unknown newspaper and publication date
died August 10, 1887
Shelby Co, Indiana
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A WEALTHY FARMER
SUICIDES TUESDAY NIGHT
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HIS DEAD BODY FOUND
IN HIS BARN THIS MORNING
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HE PLACED THE MUZZLE
OF HIS RIFLE IN HIS MOUTH
AND BLOWS OUT HIS BRAINS
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HE LEAVES WRITTEN MEMORANDA
AS TO THE DISPOSAL OF HIS
PROPERTY, AND SAYS HE COULD
NOT BEAR UP UNDER HIS
LOAD ANY LONGER.
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Coroner Miles Griffey was notified early Wednesday morning that John W. Barnes, a wealthy and well known farmer, living one mile west of Ray's Crossing, had committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a rifle. Coroner Griffey went out and returned at noon, and from him the following facts were learned: Mrs. Barnes, wife of deceased, testified that when she woke up at two o'clock this morning Mr. Barnes was in the bed, and that she woke up again at half past three a.m. and missed him. After waiting awhile she aroused the family and a search was instituted and his dead body was found lying on the floor in the barn. He had taken his rifle, one of large calibre out with him, walked to the west end of the barn, placed the muzzle in his mouth and fired, the ball coming out of the back of his head, killing him instantly. Deceased was about sixty years old, and has two sons and two daughters, all married, and the youngest daughter, Mrs. Fidelia Reese and her husband, live with the old folks. What caused him to take his life is not known positively, but it is thought that he has had some trouble with several of his children lately, especially over his action in buying the Cory farm last week, some of the children objecting to the deal. Mr. Barnes was in town Tuesday and appeared in excellent spirits, but it is evident that he has been meditating the taking of life for several days for among his effects Coroner Griffey found a small memorandum book in which he states how he wants his property divided. In one place in the book mentioned, he writes as follows: "There is twenty-five acres of corn on this place that won't make 100 bushels. I won't starve to death. I will die first. It is not the farm I bought caused this trouble.
In another place he says: "I can't bear up under the weight no longer. I have worked and done all for you all I could do. I hope then that will satisfy you all. Take care of mother (his wife) if you can."
In other places in the book he states his desires as to how his wife should deed the land to the children at her death, and other matters of no interest only to those concerned. The whole is signed by him and may be probated as his last will. The probabilities are that he had worried over his real and imaginary troubles until his mind became unsettled, and in a temporary fit of despondency he took his life. Deceased was worth about $25,000 or $30,000.
__________
Richard's note: Born January 19, 1827. Married Rebecca Midkiff on September 23, 1849.
Contributed by Richard H. Weightman

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, May 29, 1879
Page 2
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MAN DROWNED.
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Joel Barnes Swallowed up in Sugar
Creek.
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About 9 o'clock, on Monday night, Joel Barnes who worked in the saw-mill of William Worland, about three miles north-west of Boggstown, left Fairland in a buggy to return home. Nothing more was heard of him until the next day, when his horse was found near the Broad Ripple ford of Big Sugar Creek, tangled in the harness, and afterwards the vehicle was found a short distance below. It was immediately surmised that the horse had broken loose while Barnes was attempting to cross, and that he had been drowned and washed down the stream. As soon as the news apread, on Tuesday, a great crowd of people assembled on the banks and commenced to search for the body. This was kept up yesterday until about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when Barnes' body was found about a half mile below the peace where he had tried to cross.
When the unfortunate man left Fairland he was very much under the influence of liquor, otherwise he would have had better sinse than to attempt to ford a stream so greatly swollen and so dangeroulsly as Sugar Creek was for twenty-four hours after the raind of Sunday night. It was fully ten feet deep at the place where Barnes attempted to cross. Deceased was a son of the late Elijah Barnes, who formerly lived in this township near the Poor House, and was about thirty-six years old. He was a brother-in-law of William Worland with whom he had been working for some time before his death.
Coroner James Capp went out yesterday afternoon and held an inquest over the body, returning a verdict of death by drowning last night, the remains were taken to the residence of the dead man's mother, who lives near Prescott, and will be interred to-day.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Weekly Volunteer
Thursday March 27, 1879
Page 3 column 5
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DIED
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BARNES—In Union township on Wednesday morning, March 26, 1879, Philemon Barnes aged 55 years.
Contributed by Barb Huff

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