From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 703-704

Luke Barr resides on section 16, Jackson Township, where his father, Jared Barr, settled in 1845. Jared Barr was born in Massachusetts in September, 1784, and after attaining manhood went to the State of New York, where he was married to Lucretia Hazen, a native of Connecticut a cousin of the father of General Hazen. After his marriage he settled in Dover, Ohio, and later moved to Elyria, where they lived till 1845, when they came to Steuben County and bought a tract of unimproved land of Lyman Clark. This land he improved and made his home till his death in April, 1869. The mother died in September, 1879. Their twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, were all living at the time of the father's death. Five are now living. Jared Barr was a man of considerable ability, a great reader and possessed of a remarkable memory. He was a member of the Disciples church and for several years was a preacher of that denomination. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, holding a Captain's commission. Luke Barr was born in Elyria, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1830, and has been a resident of Jackson Township since 1845. He married Mary Williams, who was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1840, a daughter of Carpenter Williams. Her parents moved to Michigan where her father died when she was seven years old. Her mother then returned to New York, where she was educated, graduating from Phipp's Union Seminary at Albion, in 1859. She then engaged in teaching, and in 1863 returned to Michigan, and subsequently was employed as Principal of Newville Academy two years. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have five children-- Lena, Myrtie, Lillie, Charles F. and Guy K. They are among the progressive residents of Steuben County. Both are well educated and taught school for a number of years before their marriage. Realizing the advantage of mental culture they endeavor to give their children the benefits of the best schools in the country.

Submitted by: Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com