by Laurel | May 4th, 2010
Tombstone of George Barnett
[Note: I have this family in my genealogy database via a fairly remote marriage connection, but am always interested in hearing from others with genealogical connections.]
May 4, 1930
Served in City Government 10 years — Was Paper Maker in Various Mills for Long Period.
George Barnett, 79, a resident of this city for the past 47 years and prominent at one time in its political life, died this morning at the home, 67 Lawler street, after a long illness.
Mr. Barnett was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to this country in 1883. Prior to settling in Holyoke he spent more than seven years in Cunard line service and traveled much visiting Trieste, Venice, Naples, Malaga and Gibraltar in the Mediterranean and crossing the Atlantic 108 times. When he first came to Holyoke he started work at the Chemical paper company where he was boss finisher until the formation of the American Writing Paper company when he entered their employ. Later he went to the George C. Gill mill.
He was active in the political life of the city and was elected to the board of aldermen in 1902 on the at-large ticket serving for 10 years under Mayors Chapin, Avery and White. He was the originator of the plan whereby Smiths Ferry became a part of Holyoke.
Prior to his illness last summer he was elevator operator in the city hall annex building. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jane (Turner) Barnett; four sons, George, Jr., Andrew T. and Alexander G. of this city and William T. of St. Johns, Quebec; four daughters, Mrs. Jane A. Bower, Mrs. Belle Rowley, Mrs. Elsie Field, and Mrs Florence Bell; two brothers, John S. of this city and Charles L. of Springfield; two sisters in Scotland; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian church and a past president of the Caledonian club.
The funeral will be held at the home, 67 Lawler street, Monday afternoon at 2. Rev. Dr. John Alison will officiate and burial will be at Forestdale.
From The Springfield Republican.
