Obit: Barkley, George A. (1868 - 1940)

Barkley, George A. (14 Jan 1868 - 26 Dec 1940)

George Albert Barkley, last of seven children born to William Henry and Sarah Jane Barkley, passed peacefully from early life early Thursday morning, Dec. 26, 1940, at the Black River Falls Hospital where he had been previously taken for treatments. He was born near South Indian, province of Ontario, Canada, Jan. 14, 1868, and at the time of his death had reached the age of 72 years, 11 months and 12 days.

On May 24, 1889, Mr. Barkley came from his home in Ontario, to the States, having employment at Fort Allegheny, Pa., as blacksmith at a lumber camp. Later in the same year, when the lumbering operations were over for the season he moved to Mankato, Minn., working at his trade in that city for three years.

In the month of December 1892 he arrived in Humbird, Clark County, Wis., and with the exception of a brief interval about forty years ago when he was employed by the Geo. Warren Co., at Warrens, this village has been his home. In 1903, he purchased the blacksmith shop, having been previously employed by George Hall. Mr. Barkley continued to operate the shop until just a few weeks before his death.

He was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Dorothy Schumacher of Humbird, Jan. 14, 1897. Eight children were born to this union, one of whom, William Henry, preceded his father in death by nearly twenty years. Mourning their loss are his widow, three daughters and four sons: Sarah Alice (Mrs. Ervin Hart), of Fairchild; Edwin Ernest and George Albert Jr. of Black River Falls; Melvin John of Pardeeville; James Everett and Mabel Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank Moore) of Humbird; and Fern Marie (Mrs. Richard Rosolack) of Eau Claire. He is survived also by thirteen grandchildren.

The wide circle of friends of Mr. Barkley was shown by the large congregation that attended the funeral service which were held at the town hall last Sunday afternoon, and the many beautiful flowers that covered the new mound in Mentor Cemetery where interment was made. The Rev. C. H. Pierstorff of the Methodist Church delivered the burial sermon, from the texts, Math. 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn," and Isaiah 40:1, "Comfort ye, my people.' Musical numbers were, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," and "Nearer my God to Thee," by Rev. and Mrs. Pierstorff. Pallbearers were A. L. Sparkes, W. E. Waters, A. E. Fradenburg, W. A. Fradenburg, G. N. Crandell and Harry Hart.