Bio: Barnes, William H. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Barnes, Grinsell, Brown, Fitzpatrick, McGraw

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) page 647

William H. Barnes, Councilman of the new commission form of government of Eau Claire, Wis., is the son of David P. and Mary (Grinsell) Barnes, and was born in Eau Claire June 16, 1875. His father was a native of Plattsburg, N. Y., and his mother of the Province of Quebec, Canada. The father came to Wisconsin in 1858, locating in Eau Claire, where he engaged in various lines of business, conducted a livery stable for a few years, engaged in the sale of agricultural implements for 20 years, and for 27 years was janitor of the courthouse. While in that position he acted as deputy of nearly all the offices of the county. He is now 1914), at the age of 77, living retired in this city. Of his seven children, six are now living, viz.: Phoebe, wife of W. J. Brown; Margaret, Bessie, Horace, William H. and Grace.

William H. was reared in his native city, receiving his education in the public schools and local business college. He learned the machinists' trade, which he followed for fifteen years. Politically he is a Socialist and is the first one of that party to hold office in Eau Claire county, having been elected councilman for a term of six years in April, 1912. He is a member of the Machinists' Union and a staunch supporter of the principles of unionism and an active union worker. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of John and Nellie (McGraw) Fitzpatrick, of Eau Claire, to whom he was married in 1912, is also a supporter of unionism, being a member of the Typographical Union. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of two children — Mary and Elizabeth Barnes.