Byron Tribune
Friday, July 3, 1936

Well Known Resident Dies

George P. Barry

Funeral services were held at the residence west of Byron Tuesday afternoon for George P. Barry, pioneer citizen and prominent farmer of Byron Township, who died early Sunday morning at his home. The services were largely attended and interment was in the Byron cemetery. Rev. W. J. Hopkins of the United Church of Byron officiated.

Mr. Barry was born June 11, 1856 on the Barry homestead farm at Byron and died June 28, 1936-just a few weeks after his eightieth birthday. He was the son of John and Rachel Smiley Barry, who came to Byron in 1844 and were among the early settlers of this community.

In 1888 he was married to Mrs. Sarah Gorman Leary, who survives him. Two children, Mrs. Earl Wilmarth and Will Barry of Byron; two step-children, Mrs. Harry Thompson of Byron and Mose Leary of Creston, Iowa; eight grandchildren of Byron; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes J. Gill and Miss Rosalie Barry of Byron and a brother, Andrew, who at the time of this writing is in a critical condition at Rockford hospital, also survive him. Three brothers John, James and William and a sister Mrs. James Shield, preceded him in death, as did two sisters, Rebecca and Rachel, many years ago.

Mr. Barry was a successful agriculturist and enjoyed a wide acquaintance in Ogle county. At time of sorrow and sickness in the community Mr. Barry was always among the first who came to extend sympathy and offer assistance. He rejoiced in hospitality and his home, like that of his parents before him, was a center where relatives or new acquaintances were equally assured of a sincere and hearty welcome.

Kindness of heart and a friendly manner combined to make Mr. Barry one of the widely known residents of Byron and one who will be greatly missed from the community where he had spent his entire life.

Submitted by Randi Wilmarth Marcos

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