Augustus A. Barrow, who for several years has lived retired from active business life, enjoying well earned ease as the result of his energy and diligence in former years, makes his home in Gibson City. He is a native of Frederick county, Virginia, born July 8, 1848, of the marriage of Frederick and 2nd wife Mary (Smith) Barrow, the latter a daughter of Louis Smith, who was a soldier if the Prussian army. Frederick Barrow was born in Virginia, as was his father, and in that state reared his family. In his youthful days, Augustus A. Barrow attended a private school and when not occupied with the duties of the school room assisted his father in the work of the home farm. With him he came to Illinois in 1867, the family home being established near where Gibson City now stands. The father purchased three hundred acres of land in Dix township, Ford county. His family numbered ten children.
Mr. Barrow of this review continued at home until he attained his majority, when he went to Iowa, where he remained for a year. Following his return he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Barrow, a cousin, in 1870 and unto them were born four children - Hattie, who died at the age of twenty years; Weaver, who died at the age of seven; one who died in infancy; and Louis A. at home. The wife and mother departed this life in 1887 and Mr. Barrow afterwards married Miss Belle Stephens, a daughter of James Stephens of Melvin, Illinois.
In his political views Mr. Barrow is a democrat, stalwart in support of the principles of the party. He has held the office if tax collector and assessor for one term and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, also called him to the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were characterized by the utmost impartiality. He was one of the first drainage commissioners of the Big Four Drainage Company, which position he held for eight years.
For several years Mr. Barrow has now lived retired, deriving a good income from the rental of his farm of two hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation and which is now a valuable property. The energy and unfaltering diligence which he displayed in former years make his present rest possible and he is now numbered among the substantial men of Gibson City. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Society, with which he has been identified for twenty-seven years, and he has held all of the chairs in Gibson City lodge. For almost a quarter of a century he has been connected with the Knights of Pythias.June 16, 1911
A.A. Barrow
Augustus A. Barrow, one of the best known citizens of this community and of Ford county, died at his home on North Sangamon avenue late last Tuesday evening. Mr. Barrow had been in poor health for several months, but was able to be up and around most of the time, and had felt especially good of late. Tuesday evening he sat out in the yard for a while, retiring about 10 o'clock. About ten minutes later he was attacked by a smothering spell, and doctors were immediately summoned. He died in a very few minutes, his death being due to heart trouble.
The deceased was born in July 8, 1848, in Frederick county, Va., where he resided until 1867, when he removed with his father's family to Bloomington, Ill., and later located on a farm of 300 acres in Dix township west of Elliott. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha E. Barrow, a cousin, and of this union four children were born - Hattie, who died at the age of 20 years; Weaver who died when but 7 years of age; one child died in infancy, and Louis A Barrow, who survives. In 1886 the wife and mother died, and afterward Mr. Barrow was married to Miss Belle Stephens of Melvin who survives him. He is also survived by four brothers and four sisters, as follows: Chas. Barrow, H.J. Barrow, Mrs. S. H. Preston and Mrs. W.A. Wade, all of Gibson City; Wm. Barrow of Dix township; John Barrow of Salem, Ill.; Mrs. O.P Hagin, Elliott, and Mrs. Jos. K. Jones of Winnipeg, Can. A brother A. W. Barrow of Gibson City, died about a year ago.
Mr. Barrow was a man of jovial disposition and always had any friends. His fellow citizens honored him with a number of offices, he being elected tax collector and assessor of Dix township. He served for eight years as commissioner of the Big Four drainage district. He was also at one time a candidate for state senator on the Democratic ticket and later a candidate for county treasure, making him a strong race for the offices each time. Since removing to Gibson City he was elected justice of the peace which office he held when he died.
The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home on North Sangamon avenue, Rev. W.T. Beadles of the Methodist church of Potomac, Ill., and formerly of the Methodist church of this city, having charge of the services, and delivering the sermon. He was assisted by Rev. Presley P. Carson of this city. The services at the cemetery were in charge of the I.O.O.F. of which order Mr. Barrow was an esteemed member. Their impressive funeral ritual was given over the remains of their deceased brother. Mr. Barrow was also a member of the Gibson lodge of the Knight Pythias