Fayette County Genealogy Project
BARNES, James, p. 871-872
Contributed by Keely Deuschle
Many of the sturdiest pioneers of the early American colonies came from
Scotland, and the citizens of that cold and frugal country have always proved themselves
valuable and acceptable when transplanted as citizens in this more fertile and agreeable
region across the Atlantic. This branch of the Barnes family, represented by James R.
Barnes, of Uniontown, is no exception to the rule.
(I) James Barnes, father of
the American emigrant, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and died there. He was a farmer
by occupation. He married, probably a Glasgow woman, and had issue, including son
Thomas.
(II) Thomas, son of James Barnes, was born in Hopwood, Pennsylvania,
died in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming, and was a quite
unassuming man. He married Eliza, daughter of Tigel and Elizabeth Trader, whose
grandparents were of Irish extraction. Among their children was a son named Staten, of
whom further.
(III) Staten, son of Thomas and Eliza (Trader) Barnes, was born at
Hopwood, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1838, died November 27, 1892. During most of
his years of business activity he owned a coal mine at Hopwood, and later part of his
life was spent in the lumber business. In religion he was a Methodist, and in political
belief a Democrat. He married Martha Ann, daughter of James and Lucinda (Brown) Tibbs.
Children of Staten Barnes are: James R., of whom further; Staten Franks, Eli
Cope, Joseph E., Anne, Sarah.
(IV) James R., son of Staten and Martha Ann (Tibbs)
Barnes; born July 9, 1860, is a resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He attended the
public school at Uniontown. For several years he worked in the mines with his father at
Hopwood and learned the mining business on a larger scale. Then seeing the advantages
of the coal and coke industry, he became an operator in those two valuable commodities
himself. His keen business instincts, splendid handling of the materials involved,
shrewd methods and sturdy honesty of principles have built up a fine business, and Mr.
Barnes has made of himself one of the best known men in a community of prosperous
merchants and financiers, although his start upon the ladder of life was obtained in
the humble and unhealthy occupation of a coal miner. Such a man whose head has
multiplied the work of his hands a thousandfold, is one of the most valued citizens of
Fayette county, and highly esteemed by all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are
faithful attendants at the First Presbyterian Church in Uniontown. Mr. Barnes is a
Democrat, devoted to the principles and standard-bearers of his party.
James R.
Barnes married Martha Belle, daughter of Thermar and Hannah (Sutton) Frazee(?),
December 10, 1883. Children: Estella, married Dr. A.C. Howard, of Uniontown, and they
have one child, James Ross Barnes Howard; Gwendolin; Thelma Elizabeth; Martha Frances;
Jamie Ross.
Source:
Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Under the Editorial Supervision of John W. Jordan, LL.D., Librarian of Pennsylvania
Historical Society, Philadelphia and James Hadden of Uniontown, Pennsylvania; author
of "Washington and Braddock’s Expeditions Through Fayette County", and the reproductions
of Judge James Veech’s work entitled "The Monongahela of Old, or Historical Sketches of
Southwestern Pennsylvania to the Year 1800".
New York
Lewis Historical Publishing Company
1912
Three Volumes
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