AN AGED MAN HAS FALLEN

The visit of the angel of death has been of frequent occurrence in our midst for some weeks past, and for the most part, his chilling breath has fallen upon the cheek of childhood. But not to these alone, is his mission confined. The rosy morning of youth, the mid-day splendor of manhood, and the somber clouds of evening, have alike faded at the "Summons to join, The innumerable caravan that moves, To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take, His chamber in the silent halls of death." Under the appropriate heading in this week's paper, will be found the announcement of the decease of Mr. Michael Barnes, at the advanced age of 74 years, 1 month and 28 days.

Seldom has it become the duty of relatives and friends in this State, to consign to the grave one who has lived out the allotted period of man's existence--three score years and ten. In the rush from early homes and early friends, to this country, the aged and the infirmed have generally preferred to be left to live and die surrounded by the scenes and associations of their youthful days. Some, however, of the more vigorous and brave hearted, have chosen to follow the steps of their sons and daughters to the Pacific slope. Among this class, was Mr. Barnes and the aged companion of his bosom, who still survives, at the advanced age of seventy-two years. The history of the deceased, we deem of such a character, as to warrant a revelation: Deceased was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, August 31st, 1784, and was married to his surviving widow, on the 8th of March 1804.

In 1827 he moved with his family to Indiana, where he resided until 1839, when he moved into the new and promising state of Illinois, where he remained to witness a family of twelve children--six sons and six daughters--arrive at maturity, ten of whom are now living. In 1854, still in the full possession of bodily and mental vigor, in company with his son Thomas, he determined upon following the star of the empire to the shores of the Pacific, where he arrived without experiencing even an hour's indisposition. Soon after his arrival in this place, the principal part of his family joined him here, where they are now settled, probably for life.

Mr. Barnes was a kind and affectionate husband and father, a man of the most exemplary character, and a devoted Christian; being an active member of the Baptist Church, in the prosperity of which he evinced the most lively interest, from the day of his connection therewith, to the hour of his death. The worthy patriarch, after living to witness a progeny of ninety-two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, (sixty-four of which are now living,) has gone down to the grave full of years, and crowned with the highest of honors--the blessings of his descendants, and the approval of his own conscience.

His remains were followed to the grave last Sunday, by the largest concourse of citizens that we have ever seen assembled on a like occasion.

[Sonoma County Journal - October 29, 1858]