Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    JOSEPH BARNETT

    Joseph Barnett, ex-sheriff of Miami county, has an excellent record for official service and constructive citizenship and is well esteemed in his home community of Troy as well as in other localities. He was born at Troy, September 20, 1873, a son of Levi and Nannie (Miller) Barnett. Levi Barnett established a clothing business at Troy in 1848 in partnership with Joseph Wertheimer, Mr. Barnett later taking over the business, with which he continued to be identified until his death. He and his wife were the parents of four children: Jacob, Joseph, Lena and Tillie. Joseph Barnett attended the public schools of Troy, after leaving which he and his brother Jacob entered their father's clothing establishment, to the ownership of which they succeeded at the time of the elder man's demise. They carried on a flourishing business as men's furnishers and merchant tailors at the southeast corner of the Public Square, but Joseph Barnett, having become interested in political matters, sold his interests to his brother and retired from business affairs. Mr. Barnett served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Scobey, Gibson and Paul, and in 1914 was elected sheriff of Miami county on the Republican ticket, receiving an unusually large majority in one of the hottest political campaigns known in the history of the county. While occupying the sheriff's office he had an unusually large number of prisoners to handle, among them being several first-degree murderers. His conduct of the duties of the office was such as to earn for him the highest commendation of the citizens of this community. After retiring from the shrievalty, Mr. Barnett became Miami county agent for the Delco Lighting System and other appliances, and to this work he now devotes his entire attention. His acquaintance is large and his friends numerous. Mr. Barnett was married October 10, 1906, to Bessie, daughter of Joseph and Rose (Whitehead) Cotral, Mr. Cotral being a leading miller of Tippecanoe, who was well and favorably known throughout the community. John and Charles Hockett, sons of Mrs. Clara (Cotral) Hockett, a sister of Mrs. Barnett, served as soldiers in the United States army during the recent World war. During the war period Mr. Barnett was active in all local movements, and Mrs. Barnett was particularly active in sewing and knitting for the Red Cross Society. Mr. Barnett is a member of the Piqua Lodge of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the Loyal Order of Moose and the junior Order of United American Mechanics.

Return to the biography index

Return to Main Page


Copyright © 1999 by Computerized Heritage Association.
All Rights Reserved.