George W. Barnard was born September 2, 1861, near Roodhouse, Ill, and died Sunday, June 11, 1923 at his home 11 miles northwest of Kingfisher, having been in poor health for the past two years.Mr. Barnard moved with his parents to Missouri at the age of 5 years and from there a few years later to Miami county, Kan., where he grew to young manhood. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Sherod at Sugar, Kan., on May 7, 41 years ago. To this happy union were born ten children, nine of whom lived to grow to useful manhood and womanhood. Although there were three off those dear children standing at the portals with beckoning hands to welcome their loving father's spirit as it ascended on the swift wings of the relentless messenger, death. Baby Mary passed on to the happy home above in 1908; Newton in 1919 and Phillip in 1920.Mr Barnard professed Christianity and united with the Congregational Church in early life and was ever a noble, grand and upright man leading always a busy and useful life in his willing service to his friends and dear ones. His life of self-sacrifice amid kindness to all has left a sweet memory, and a noble example in the minds and hearts of his children.
Mr. Barnard was a pioneer of Kingfisher county, having homesteaded here in 1892. He was known far and near and his loss has been a great shock to the county as well as his own immediate community. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, three sisters, two half sisters and his children: Luther, Sadie, Orpha, Vernon, Leonard, Clara and Emory, besides a host of other relatives and friends.
From a lowly temple a great soul went forth
Proving the power of honest worth
On thru life to enter the pearly gates,
He paved with deed both kind and great.
He scattered truth and justice on every side,
And passed thru the gates of Heaven swung wide,
Till he stood in peace on the highest height,
A manly man with an angels might.
Published in the Kingfisher Daily Free Press (Kingfisher, Oklahoma) on Tuesday, June 26, 1923.
Contributor: Steven Phillips (49619983)