Joseph Ryland Barnett

As printed in 1910

CAPT. JOSEPH RYLAND BARNETT.

Every life, if properly known, contains more or less of interest, and the public claims a certain property right in the career of every citizen, regardless of the achievements or the station he has attained. In placing before the reader the review that follows, due deference is accorded the feelings of Mrs. J. R. Barnett, in conformity with whose wishes the writer will endeavor to adhere strictly to facts and omit as far as possible complimentary allusions, at the same time realizing that the latter have been honorably earned and should form no small part of a life sketch in which it is sought to render nothing but what justice and meritorious recognition demand. The late Capt. Joseph Ryland Barnett was born July 5, 1829, in Madison county, Kentucky. His mother was a sister of Judge John Ryland, deceased, and was a double cousin of Judge John E. Ryland, also deceased. Robert Ryland and his brother came to Lafayette county in 1849, but both continued on to California as a result of the "gold fever" at that time, accompanied by a number of other men from this county. The brother remained in California until his death. In the meantime the widowed mother came to Lafayette county, and in 1859 Joseph Ryland returned here for the purpose of caring for his mother, remaining on the home farm until the latter's death, which, however, occurred during the Civil war while he was absent. He had two sisters, Victoria and Laura, the former having married George H. Gordon and died in young womanhood; Laura is the widow of Felix Young, of Lexington.

When the Civil war began the sympathy of Joseph R. Barnett was with the Confederacy, and early in the struggle he raised a company of his neighbor boys just east of Lexington and joined Gen. Joe Shelby's troops, with which Mr. Barnett remained through the war, proving a valiant and faithful soldier. He was wounded and captured at Marshall, Missouri, but was paroled, and was sent to Leavenworth and then to Richmond, Virginia, and exchanged. He later rejoined Shelby and was given a captaincy, serving in that capacity until the close of the war.

Mr. Barnett was married on March 7, 1871, to Clarice Grant, daughter of Lawson B. and Martha (Hudson) Grant. She was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, and was a student in the old Baptist College. When a young girl she saw her future husband come to town at the head of his company. Her brother, Lieut. Samuel Grant, was killed at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, under Price. Lawson B. Grant was a first cousin of Gen. U. S. Grant. Martha Hudson was a first cousin of Silas Hudson.

After their marriage Mr. Barnett and wife went to farming on a part of her father's old homestead. He gave each of his children a farm. This place lay near Prairie church. Captain Barnett continued farming in a very successful manner until May, 1902, when, owing to failing health, he moved to the present home and gave up the active life he had led, and his death occurred on December 27, 1902. He had made extensive improvements on the farm, erecting good buildings, etc. He took a great deal of pride in fine horses and kept many good ones about the place, having sold several horses for fifteen hundred dollars each. He also took much interest in breeding a high grade of Jersey cattle, and he always kept a fine herd of them.

Captain Barnett and wife had no children, but since his death two of his nieces are making their home with Mrs. Barnett, Elizabeth and LiUian Burton, his sister's grandchildren, they being six and eight years old at the time of the Captain's death. They are now young ladies and popular with the younger social set of this vicinity. Mrs. Barnett has retained the farm, which nets her a good annual income. She is active in the affairs of the Presbyterian church in Lexington, not only in the main congregation but in the societies of the church.

Captain Barnett was a man whom to know was to admire, for he was at all times considerate of the well-being of others and uniformly courteous. Generous, honest and industrious, he made friends readily and experienced no trouble in retaining them. He had the explicit confidence of all classes and was a fine type of noble American manhood.

As printed in Young's history of Lafayette County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.