A. W. Barrow, a farmer and one of the early citizens of Ford County, now living in Gibson City, has by well directed labor gained enviable success. As he has prospered judicious investments have been made in property until he is now the owner of several good farms in Ford county. Although he is now practically living retired, he yet buys and sells stock and for a time conducted a grain business at Elliott, while he makes his home in Gibson City.
Mr. Barrow is the son of Frederick and Mary (Smith) Barrow, the former a native of Frederick county, Virginia, who devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and school teaching. A.W. Barrow was born near Winchester, Virginia, and there began his education, but when a young boy he accompanied his parents on their removal to Bloomington, Illinois, in 1865. His father purchased land east of Gibson City and the son attended the Scotland school on the prairie. When not busy with his text-books he worked on his father's farm, comprising four hundred acres of rich farming land.
After attaining his majority A. W. Barrow was united to Miss Florence Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, a grain dealer of Elliott, who retired in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow now have one son and one daughter. The parents are members of the First Methodist church of Gibson City. For a considerable period Mr. Barrow gave his undivided time and attention to general agricultural pursuits and was very successful. He became the owner of several good farms devoting them to the cultivation pf the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also dealt in live stock and although he is now practically retired he still buys and sells stock and derives from this business a good income. He is also a grain dealer at Elliott but he rents the grater part of his land, the remainder being devoted to corn and oats and to pasturage. He has a fine home in Gibson City and the family are prominent in social life her.
In his political views Mr. Barrow is a democrat, in thorough sympathy with the principles of the party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. Thus he gained the prosperity which he now enjoys and which enables him largely to live retired. In manner he is genial and jovial and his many good traits of character have gained him the confidence, good will and friendship of those with whom he has been associated.

Obituary provided by Gail Hutchcraft
Moyer Library, Gibson City, Illinois
Gibson Courier
Friday May 13, 1910
A.W. Barrow
The death of A. W. Barrow, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Gibson, came as a surprise and a shock to the entire community last Saturday afternoon. Mr. Barrow had been slightly indisposed for a few days but friends of the family had felt no alarm over his condition. The family were aware that Mr. Barrow had had for a year or two a very dangerous form of heart trouble, and had been warned recently by the family physician that death was liable to occur suddenly at any time. Nevertheless, his death was a cruel and crushing blow to the loved ones of the family circle, and their sorrow is shared by a large number of relatives and intimate friends.
The funeral was held at the residence on North Sangamon Avenue at 2:00 o'clock last Tuesday afternoon. It was very largely attended by the people of Drummer and Dix townships, large numbers of old neighbors and friends coming from Elliot. The ceremony was in charge of Rev. Presley P. Carson, pastor of the M. E. church, assisted by Rev. M. B. Leach and Rev. J. H. Miller. Mr. Carson read the following obituary at the funeral:
"Our friend is dead. The pulse of life has stopped. The first shock that has benumbered our sensibilities has passed and the current of our thoughts turn back to early memories.
"Alpheus Walker Barrow was born in Newtown, now known as Stephens City, Va., Feb. 17, 1852; and died at his home in Gibson, Ill., May 7, 1910, at the age of 55 years, 2 months and 18 days.
"He came to Bloomington, Ill., with his parents in September, 1867, and the following April the family moved to Ford county. In these early days there were few improved farms and Paxton was the nearest town. But here was a great opportunity for industry and that the opportunity was well utilized is evidenced by the large estate Mr. Barrow possessed when he was called of God to give an account of his stewardship.
"July 15, 1879, he was married to Florence Richardson, and of this union two children were born, Mayme and Clarence.
"He lived on the farm near Elliott, until six years ago, when he moved to Gibson City. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son; also by two half-brothers, Hamilton J. Barrow of this city and John W. Barrow of Salem, Ill.; four sisters and three brothers: - Mrs. O.P Hagin of Elliott; Mrs. J. K. Jones of Winnepeg Canada; Mrs. A.C. Wade and Mrs. S. H. Preston of this city; and A. A. Barrow and Charles Barrow of this city and William L. Barrow of Elliott. He is the first of a family of eight to pass away.
" Mr. Barrow had a wide acquaintance and a large circle of friends because of his large business interests. While still living on the farm he was engaged at two different times in the grain business at Elliott. He was a large buyer and shipper of live stock. And while carefully looking after his own interests, many business men, farmers and leading citizens have informed me that he was considered thoroughly reliable in his business dealings, and often showed a generous impulse beyond the mere letter of business custom. He was also one of the promoters of the Dix Township Telephone Exchange, of which he was a stockholder and director. Since coming to Gibson he spent most of his time in buying and shipping live stock.
"About twenty years ago Mr. Barrow was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Gibson City. At the time of his death he was a trustee and loyal supporter of the church, prizing its services for himself and family as much as his health would permit. He was also a devoted member of the Men's Bible Class. He was a staunch friend of the pastor, and entered heartily into plans for the up building and advancement of the church, and was an active member of the new church building committee.
"Mr. Barrow was especially a home man and to know him best, one must have been familiar with his home life. He devoted himself with liberality and tender care to his loved ones, and in return his home was a blessing to him. His character was strengthened and ennobled , and his name and life will continue to live in the lives of his two beautiful children. We honor his memory. We sympathize with his loved ones who mourn his loss. We commend them to the mercy and comfort of God."
Among those from out of town who were present at the funeral were the following: Miss Mrtyle Wade of Elgin; Mrs. F. M. Timmons, Mrs. J. W. Sullivan and Mr. and Mrs. Harry