VETERANS'S SUDDEN DEATH
George L. Barney Answers the Last Roll Call

George L. Barney died suddenly last Monday afternoon at about three o'clock. Mr. Barney was sitting in the office of the Hotel Atlantic at three o'clock, and got up to go to the rear door, but as he was in feeble health and very lame his actions excited no particular attention. A minute or two later a guest of the hotel found him sitting on a platform at the rear entrance, breathing with difficulty, and the clerk of the house was called, who at once called a physician. The old man was then partially reclining on the platform, resting his head in his hand, and endeavoring to speak. He was picked up and taken into the adjoining sample room, but in a minute or two had breathed his last, probably not more than five minutes having elapsed from the time he left the hotel office.

Mr. Barney was a veteran of the civil war, with a good war record. He enlisted as a private in Co. C of the 106th Illinois infantry, was promoted to sergeant, then to first sergeant, and was honorably discharged to accept a commission as a second lieutenant, but was prevented by sickness from serving as a commissioned officer. He was a comrade of D. F. Markham Post No. 7, G.A.R. of this city. For several years he had been afflicted with infirmities, and of late had been almost helpless. But a few days before his death he made application for admission to the Soldier's home of this state, and on the day of his death his application had been approved and he had been enrolled. Had he lived a couple of days longer, he would have been at the home.

Mr. Barney was born in Clay [actually Edwards - GV] county, Illinois, in September 1832. In 1882 he went to Hughes county, South Dakota, living there until 1891 when he moved to Pipestone. Twelve years ago he came to Marshall, residing here since, making his home in recent years with some of his children. About ten years ago his wife died, and was buried here. Of his children, three daughters and two sons are living: Mrs. Mary S. Thornson and Samuel Barney of this city; Mrs. Lily Stewart of Marshalltown, Iowa; Mrs. Lizzie Kiel and Clarence Barney, of Hankinson, North Dakota.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thornson, the funeral service being held under the auspices of D. F. Markham Post of the Grand Army.

-- News Messenger of Lyon County, Marshall, Minnesota, Friday, April 21, 1905