Piqua Daily Call

Friday, November 4, 1910  

BERLIN, GERMANY THE BIRTHPLACE  

Of Adam Barr, One of the Pioneer Residents of This County, --Died Here Wednesday.  

Adam Barr, who was born in Berlin, Germany, October 9, 1821, died Wednesday evening at the home of his son-in-law, on Robinson Avenue. Mr. Barr came to America, with his parents, in 1932.  For many years he lived near Polo.  Two sons and a daughter survive.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock from the late residence, the Rev. Watkins, pastor of the Greenville Christian church, officiating.  Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Piqua Daily Call

Tuesday, November 8, 1910  

THE LATE ADAM BARR Was Well known and Highly Esteemed German Citizen.  

Adam Barr, a native of Germany died at the home of his son-in-law John Catterlin on Robinson Avenue on Wednesday last.  Adam Barr was born in Swertzenberg Germany, Oct. 9, 1821.  He came to this country with his parents during his infancy.  His parents died in a few months after reaching America.  As there were no orphans’ home at that time, the township, trustees bound him out to a Mr. Caldwell, who died a short time after.  Caldwell requested that a Mr. Brandon should take charge of him.  He lived with the Brandon family until he was nineteen years of age, when he started out to earn his own living, working for two or three dollars per month.  During these boyhood days of hardship he united with the Christian Church at Piqua, O. and was baptized. On Nov. 20, 1850, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Cron of Piqua, by Rev. Gaddis, pastore of the Methodist Church.  To their union were born six children, four of whom are living; N. W., and L. C. Barr, Carrie M. Clark and Mamie Catterlin, and six grandchildren of whom three are living.  They moved to Shelby County in 1852, and cleared a small spot and built a cabin.  By hard work and strict economy they cleared the farm where they lived until 1903 when Mrs. Barr departed this life.  Mr. Barr then lived in Polo, O. for a period of five years and finally came to Piqua, O. where he spent the last two years of his life.  He was in failing health for the last five years, and as the end came near, he said he was ready, and finally departed this life November 2, 1910, being 89 years, and 23 days of age. Mr. Barr was a gentleman of sterling worth, and was regarded as a good, kind, husband and father.  He was a good citizen, and by his death Piqua has lost a friend and an enterprising man.  He was a man who never lost the dignity of manner which was native to him.  He was delighted in the society of his friends and the exercise of hospitality, was to him not only a pleasure, but almost a sacred duty.  The family of  D. D., Catterlin express their thanks to friends and neighbors for many kindnesses extended during their bereavement.

Above Provided by Roger A. Hopkins

Miami Union

November 10, 1910 

BARR, ADAM - Polo--Adam Barr passed away at 5:30 Wednesday evening at the home of his son-in-law, James Catteriln, death being due to old age.  He was born in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 9, 1821.  This is given as the date of his birth but it is believed by some that he was a least eight or ten years older.  His parents came to America on the same vessel with the late A. Thoma in 1832.  Within a few years both parents died leaving a large family of children which soon became scattered.  For many years nothing was known of the whereabouts of the other children but a few years ago a brother was found in Cincinnati and others in Illinois.  The Cincinnati brother had been taken by a family who spoke nothing but German.  Adam Barr, on the other hand, had been reared by a family who spoke nothing but English so in time he forgot his native tongue and when the two brothers met they were unable to converse with each other.  For many years Mr. Barr lived near Polo where he bought and cleared his farm.  He was married to Mary J. Cron who died some years ago.  There survive two sons, two daughters, three grandchildren and other relatives.  The funeral services were held from the late home on Robinson avenue, Sunday afternoon.  Interment at Forest Hill cemetery.

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