Byron Express - Friday, March 16, 1900

Called To Rest
The Peaceful Close of a Long and Useful Live

Mrs. John Barry

"They rest from their labors and their works do follow them."

On Monday evening, March fifth, at eleven o'clock, Mrs. Rachel Barry closed her eyes to the scenes of this world and the busy hands ever ready to smooth the rough places in the lives of her loved one or to help in times of sickness and sorrow rested on the quiet breast.

Words cannot express the loss which the family have sustained in the death of the wife and mother and her memory will be cherished in many homes where she was accustomed to go on errands of mercy.

The Barry home is about four miles west of Byron on the farm which Mr. John Barry entered from the government over fifty-five years ago. Other settlers have come and gone but we venture to say that none ever lived in the vicinity of the Barry's that did not receive some kindness from her, and many a grateful heart in distant parts of the west will assent as they read this tribute to her memory.

In early times many of the hardships which were common to pioneer life were experienced by them yet time and strength were found to lend a hand to those who were in greater need. The hospitality of the Barry home has been without limit, and could not have been extended so liberally had not the husband and wife agreed as one in such matters. Their generosity to the soldiers during the civil war to which our Mr. E. A. Irvine of Rockford alluded on Old Settlers Day last fall, will be remembered as long as there is an old veteran living in these parts.

For several years, Mrs. Barry has been obliged, by her enfeebled condition, to leave the more active duties to younger hands but she did not lose interest in the affairs of her neighborhood and her sympathy and wise counsel were never sought in vain.

Rachel Smiley was born in Antrim County, Ireland, June 7, 1820. She came to America with her parents in 1831. She was married to Mr. John Barry in Geneseo, N.Y. March 26, 1843. Ten children were given to them, seven of whom with the father were permitted to be present in the sad hours of the death and burial of the mother. The first born, Hannah B., became the wife of James Sheils and died September 11, 1882, the others are, Rosalie, James, Mrs. Agnes J. Gill, John H., Andrew D., and George P. of Byron, Rebecca and Rachael who died in early childhood, and William D. of Shannon. Of the Smiley family remain to mourn Mrs. Jane Smith, of this place, Andrew Smiley of San Diego, Cal., and Mrs. Nancy Van Dusen, of Tipton, Mich., all younger that the deceased.

The funeral was in the M. C. Church on Thursday afternoon and was one of the largest held in many years. Rev. N. R. Hinds conducted the exercises and was assisted by Rev. J.S. Braddock of Middle Creek, who has been an intimate friend of the family for many years. The crowded church and the long procession of eighty-two teams that followed the remains to its last resting place in the Byron Cemetery spoke eloquently of the high esteem and affection for the departed.

The Express in common with the community mourns the loss of a friend and extends its warmest sympathy to the afflicted family.

Submitted by Randi Wilmarth Marcos

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