Utica Daily Press, Utica, New York, Wednesday Morning, June 29, 1892
A. D. Barber Dead ~ The End Came Yesterday Morning ~ Sketch of His Busy Life
Shortly before noon yesterday Amaziah D. Barbar died at his home in Genesse street, this city. For some months Mr. Barber had been in failing health. About four months ago his friends and acquaintances became aware that he could not recover and when death came yesterday it was not unexpected. Mr. Barber, however, throughout his illness was cheerful and hopeful, believing that he would again recover until within a few days ago. An affection of the liver and a general breaking down of the system were the cause of death.
Mr. Barber was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, March 22, 1816. His father's name was Amaziah D. also and his mother's was Freelove Crawford Arnold. Shortly before the birth of the deceased his father departed life. A few years later his mother again married. Her second husband was Noah Davis, father of Judge Noah Davis. Very early in his life young Barber struck out for himself. Removing from the Vermont home he found employment in Rathboneville, Steuben county, and later in New London, west of Rome.
There he became the proprietor of a small hotel and there he, on June 25, 1843, was united in marriage to Miss Jane Parmalee, of Clinton. In the village of New London he was the enterprising man of the place, the one looked to for advice and about this time he commenced to take a lively interest in all political affairs. A Whig first, then he became a Republican, remaining loyal to the party until his death.
Orsamus B. Matteson had represented Oneida county in Congress and there were Rome Republicans who were opposed to him. In 1858 Mr. Barber with Palmer V. Kellogg and William H. Ferry, brought to the fore a new candidate for Congress in the person of Roscoo Conkling, who was successfully elected, and as they claimed, largely through their efforts. Just after the election, they waited on Mr. Conkling to talk about the division of federal patronage, but he rather surprised them by remarking calmly, "Gentlemen, I will look after these matters myself." They left in high dudgeon, and determined to punish the young man for what they considered his presumption. The next time he ran he was opposed by Francis Kernan. The three above named supported Mr. Kernan with all their ability, and he was elected. The deceased was Deputy Sheriff under Palmer V. Kellogg. Afterward he was Superintendent of the Black River canal, leaving that office with a clean and model record of administration. He was Harbormaster in New York from April 10, 1855 until April, 1862. In the spring of 1867 he came to Utica to live. The position of Harbormaster he held for three terms.
After the war Mr. Barber went to Albany, where he remained until about a dozen years ago. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, and he had an office in which were kept daily slips of all the bills introduced. His business was to promote such bills as the railroad companies were interested in, and to prevent legislation which, the company regarded as hostile. Mr. Barber had rooms which were frequented by Senators and Assembly men, and where he entertained them very handsomely. The part he took in shaping legislation was a very important and prominent one. A committee which investigated legislative matters at one time had him on the stand, and, after considerable questioning, elicited from him the statement that his business was "to walk and talk with members of the Legislature." The phrase "walking and talking" passed into a byword, which has since been used more or less in all legislative centers. In Albany Mr. Barber, was very popular. He entertained well, and whatever his business relations were with the members, they were strictly confidential. The boys knew they would never be given away. Several years after he had routined from Albany the proprietor of a New York paper offered Mr. Barber $5,000 if he would divulge what he knew about legislative matters while in Albany. The offer was declined. Another publisher afterward doubled the offer but it was again declined. "Whatever I may know, dies with me," he once said to the writer while conversing on this subject.
Those who had Mr. Barber's friendship wanted no better friend. He was a good judge of human nature, and rarely if ever mistaken in his estimate of a man. He had loaded as high as $30,000 to $40, 000 to single individuals who needed the money, but could give no other security but their word of honor. Although he had acquired considerable wealth, he did not forget the days when he was comparatively poor, and many a merchant when hard pressed, came to him for relief. Nothing could exceed his devotion and fidelity to his friends.
In social life Mr. Barber was a very pleasant man to come in contact with. He was easy to approach and was a delightful conversationalist. Many years ago he became a Mason, and at his death was a member of Faxton Lodge, of this city. In the building of the Masonic Home he took a great Interest, being one of the first and moat liberal cash donors to the fund which secured the site. He was also a member of Utica Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Barber was a model husband and father, and he made his home all that the name implies. He is survived by his wife and two children, Dutton Barber, of Utica, and Mrs. L. A. Shepard, of Kansas City, Missouri. They have the sincere sympathy of many friends and acquaintances.
Contributor: Tracer (48125332)
A. D. Barber Dead ~ The End Came Yesterday Morning ~ Sketch of His Busy Life
Shortly before noon yesterday Amaziah D. Barbar died at his home in Genesse street, this city. For some months Mr. Barber had been in failing health. About four months ago his friends and acquaintances became aware that he could not recover and when death came yesterday it was not unexpected. Mr. Barber, however, throughout his illness was cheerful and hopeful, believing that he would again recover until within a few days ago. An affection of the liver and a general breaking down of the system were the cause of death.
Mr. Barber was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, March 22, 1816. His father's name was Amaziah D. also and his mother's was Freelove Crawford Arnold. Shortly before the birth of the deceased his father departed life. A few years later his mother again married. Her second husband was Noah Davis, father of Judge Noah Davis. Very early in his life young Barber struck out for himself. Removing from the Vermont home he found employment in Rathboneville, Steuben county, and later in New London, west of Rome.
There he became the proprietor of a small hotel and there he, on June 25, 1843, was united in marriage to Miss Jane Parmalee, of Clinton. In the village of New London he was the enterprising man of the place, the one looked to for advice and about this time he commenced to take a lively interest in all political affairs. A Whig first, then he became a Republican, remaining loyal to the party until his death.
Orsamus B. Matteson had represented Oneida county in Congress and there were Rome Republicans who were opposed to him. In 1858 Mr. Barber with Palmer V. Kellogg and William H. Ferry, brought to the fore a new candidate for Congress in the person of Roscoo Conkling, who was successfully elected, and as they claimed, largely through their efforts. Just after the election, they waited on Mr. Conkling to talk about the division of federal patronage, but he rather surprised them by remarking calmly, "Gentlemen, I will look after these matters myself." They left in high dudgeon, and determined to punish the young man for what they considered his presumption. The next time he ran he was opposed by Francis Kernan. The three above named supported Mr. Kernan with all their ability, and he was elected. The deceased was Deputy Sheriff under Palmer V. Kellogg. Afterward he was Superintendent of the Black River canal, leaving that office with a clean and model record of administration. He was Harbormaster in New York from April 10, 1855 until April, 1862. In the spring of 1867 he came to Utica to live. The position of Harbormaster he held for three terms.
After the war Mr. Barber went to Albany, where he remained until about a dozen years ago. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, and he had an office in which were kept daily slips of all the bills introduced. His business was to promote such bills as the railroad companies were interested in, and to prevent legislation which, the company regarded as hostile. Mr. Barber had rooms which were frequented by Senators and Assembly men, and where he entertained them very handsomely. The part he took in shaping legislation was a very important and prominent one. A committee which investigated legislative matters at one time had him on the stand, and, after considerable questioning, elicited from him the statement that his business was "to walk and talk with members of the Legislature." The phrase "walking and talking" passed into a byword, which has since been used more or less in all legislative centers. In Albany Mr. Barber, was very popular. He entertained well, and whatever his business relations were with the members, they were strictly confidential. The boys knew they would never be given away. Several years after he had routined from Albany the proprietor of a New York paper offered Mr. Barber $5,000 if he would divulge what he knew about legislative matters while in Albany. The offer was declined. Another publisher afterward doubled the offer but it was again declined. "Whatever I may know, dies with me," he once said to the writer while conversing on this subject.
Those who had Mr. Barber's friendship wanted no better friend. He was a good judge of human nature, and rarely if ever mistaken in his estimate of a man. He had loaded as high as $30,000 to $40, 000 to single individuals who needed the money, but could give no other security but their word of honor. Although he had acquired considerable wealth, he did not forget the days when he was comparatively poor, and many a merchant when hard pressed, came to him for relief. Nothing could exceed his devotion and fidelity to his friends.
In social life Mr. Barber was a very pleasant man to come in contact with. He was easy to approach and was a delightful conversationalist. Many years ago he became a Mason, and at his death was a member of Faxton Lodge, of this city. In the building of the Masonic Home he took a great Interest, being one of the first and moat liberal cash donors to the fund which secured the site. He was also a member of Utica Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Barber was a model husband and father, and he made his home all that the name implies. He is survived by his wife and two children, Dutton Barber, of Utica, and Mrs. L. A. Shepard, of Kansas City, Missouri. They have the sincere sympathy of many friends and acquaintances.
Contributor: Tracer (48125332)
Utica Daily Press, Utica, New York, Wednesday Morning, June 29, 1892
A. D. Barber Dead ~ The End Came Yesterday Morning ~ Sketch of His Busy Life
Shortly before noon yesterday Amaziah D. Barbar died at his home in Genesse street, this city. For some months Mr. Barber had been in failing health. About four months ago his friends and acquaintances became aware that he could not recover and when death came yesterday it was not unexpected. Mr. Barber, however, throughout his illness was cheerful and hopeful, believing that he would again recover until within a few days ago. An affection of the liver and a general breaking down of the system were the cause of death.
Mr. Barber was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, March 22, 1816. His father's name was Amaziah D. also and his mother's was Freelove Crawford Arnold. Shortly before the birth of the deceased his father departed life. A few years later his mother again married. Her second husband was Noah Davis, father of Judge Noah Davis. Very early in his life young Barber struck out for himself. Removing from the Vermont home he found employment in Rathboneville, Steuben county, and later in New London, west of Rome.
There he became the proprietor of a small hotel and there he, on June 25, 1843, was united in marriage to Miss Jane Parmalee, of Clinton. In the village of New London he was the enterprising man of the place, the one looked to for advice and about this time he commenced to take a lively interest in all political affairs. A Whig first, then he became a Republican, remaining loyal to the party until his death.
Orsamus B. Matteson had represented Oneida county in Congress and there were Rome Republicans who were opposed to him. In 1858 Mr. Barber with Palmer V. Kellogg and William H. Ferry, brought to the fore a new candidate for Congress in the person of Roscoo Conkling, who was successfully elected, and as they claimed, largely through their efforts. Just after the election, they waited on Mr. Conkling to talk about the division of federal patronage, but he rather surprised them by remarking calmly, "Gentlemen, I will look after these matters myself." They left in high dudgeon, and determined to punish the young man for what they considered his presumption. The next time he ran he was opposed by Francis Kernan. The three above named supported Mr. Kernan with all their ability, and he was elected. The deceased was Deputy Sheriff under Palmer V. Kellogg. Afterward he was Superintendent of the Black River canal, leaving that office with a clean and model record of administration. He was Harbormaster in New York from April 10, 1855 until April, 1862. In the spring of 1867 he came to Utica to live. The position of Harbormaster he held for three terms.
After the war Mr. Barber went to Albany, where he remained until about a dozen years ago. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, and he had an office in which were kept daily slips of all the bills introduced. His business was to promote such bills as the railroad companies were interested in, and to prevent legislation which, the company regarded as hostile. Mr. Barber had rooms which were frequented by Senators and Assembly men, and where he entertained them very handsomely. The part he took in shaping legislation was a very important and prominent one. A committee which investigated legislative matters at one time had him on the stand, and, after considerable questioning, elicited from him the statement that his business was "to walk and talk with members of the Legislature." The phrase "walking and talking" passed into a byword, which has since been used more or less in all legislative centers. In Albany Mr. Barber, was very popular. He entertained well, and whatever his business relations were with the members, they were strictly confidential. The boys knew they would never be given away. Several years after he had routined from Albany the proprietor of a New York paper offered Mr. Barber $5,000 if he would divulge what he knew about legislative matters while in Albany. The offer was declined. Another publisher afterward doubled the offer but it was again declined. "Whatever I may know, dies with me," he once said to the writer while conversing on this subject.
Those who had Mr. Barber's friendship wanted no better friend. He was a good judge of human nature, and rarely if ever mistaken in his estimate of a man. He had loaded as high as $30,000 to $40, 000 to single individuals who needed the money, but could give no other security but their word of honor. Although he had acquired considerable wealth, he did not forget the days when he was comparatively poor, and many a merchant when hard pressed, came to him for relief. Nothing could exceed his devotion and fidelity to his friends.
In social life Mr. Barber was a very pleasant man to come in contact with. He was easy to approach and was a delightful conversationalist. Many years ago he became a Mason, and at his death was a member of Faxton Lodge, of this city. In the building of the Masonic Home he took a great Interest, being one of the first and moat liberal cash donors to the fund which secured the site. He was also a member of Utica Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Barber was a model husband and father, and he made his home all that the name implies. He is survived by his wife and two children, Dutton Barber, of Utica, and Mrs. L. A. Shepard, of Kansas City, Missouri. They have the sincere sympathy of many friends and acquaintances.
Contributor: Tracer (48125332)
A. D. Barber Dead ~ The End Came Yesterday Morning ~ Sketch of His Busy Life
Shortly before noon yesterday Amaziah D. Barbar died at his home in Genesse street, this city. For some months Mr. Barber had been in failing health. About four months ago his friends and acquaintances became aware that he could not recover and when death came yesterday it was not unexpected. Mr. Barber, however, throughout his illness was cheerful and hopeful, believing that he would again recover until within a few days ago. An affection of the liver and a general breaking down of the system were the cause of death.
Mr. Barber was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, March 22, 1816. His father's name was Amaziah D. also and his mother's was Freelove Crawford Arnold. Shortly before the birth of the deceased his father departed life. A few years later his mother again married. Her second husband was Noah Davis, father of Judge Noah Davis. Very early in his life young Barber struck out for himself. Removing from the Vermont home he found employment in Rathboneville, Steuben county, and later in New London, west of Rome.
There he became the proprietor of a small hotel and there he, on June 25, 1843, was united in marriage to Miss Jane Parmalee, of Clinton. In the village of New London he was the enterprising man of the place, the one looked to for advice and about this time he commenced to take a lively interest in all political affairs. A Whig first, then he became a Republican, remaining loyal to the party until his death.
Orsamus B. Matteson had represented Oneida county in Congress and there were Rome Republicans who were opposed to him. In 1858 Mr. Barber with Palmer V. Kellogg and William H. Ferry, brought to the fore a new candidate for Congress in the person of Roscoo Conkling, who was successfully elected, and as they claimed, largely through their efforts. Just after the election, they waited on Mr. Conkling to talk about the division of federal patronage, but he rather surprised them by remarking calmly, "Gentlemen, I will look after these matters myself." They left in high dudgeon, and determined to punish the young man for what they considered his presumption. The next time he ran he was opposed by Francis Kernan. The three above named supported Mr. Kernan with all their ability, and he was elected. The deceased was Deputy Sheriff under Palmer V. Kellogg. Afterward he was Superintendent of the Black River canal, leaving that office with a clean and model record of administration. He was Harbormaster in New York from April 10, 1855 until April, 1862. In the spring of 1867 he came to Utica to live. The position of Harbormaster he held for three terms.
After the war Mr. Barber went to Albany, where he remained until about a dozen years ago. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, and he had an office in which were kept daily slips of all the bills introduced. His business was to promote such bills as the railroad companies were interested in, and to prevent legislation which, the company regarded as hostile. Mr. Barber had rooms which were frequented by Senators and Assembly men, and where he entertained them very handsomely. The part he took in shaping legislation was a very important and prominent one. A committee which investigated legislative matters at one time had him on the stand, and, after considerable questioning, elicited from him the statement that his business was "to walk and talk with members of the Legislature." The phrase "walking and talking" passed into a byword, which has since been used more or less in all legislative centers. In Albany Mr. Barber, was very popular. He entertained well, and whatever his business relations were with the members, they were strictly confidential. The boys knew they would never be given away. Several years after he had routined from Albany the proprietor of a New York paper offered Mr. Barber $5,000 if he would divulge what he knew about legislative matters while in Albany. The offer was declined. Another publisher afterward doubled the offer but it was again declined. "Whatever I may know, dies with me," he once said to the writer while conversing on this subject.
Those who had Mr. Barber's friendship wanted no better friend. He was a good judge of human nature, and rarely if ever mistaken in his estimate of a man. He had loaded as high as $30,000 to $40, 000 to single individuals who needed the money, but could give no other security but their word of honor. Although he had acquired considerable wealth, he did not forget the days when he was comparatively poor, and many a merchant when hard pressed, came to him for relief. Nothing could exceed his devotion and fidelity to his friends.
In social life Mr. Barber was a very pleasant man to come in contact with. He was easy to approach and was a delightful conversationalist. Many years ago he became a Mason, and at his death was a member of Faxton Lodge, of this city. In the building of the Masonic Home he took a great Interest, being one of the first and moat liberal cash donors to the fund which secured the site. He was also a member of Utica Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Barber was a model husband and father, and he made his home all that the name implies. He is survived by his wife and two children, Dutton Barber, of Utica, and Mrs. L. A. Shepard, of Kansas City, Missouri. They have the sincere sympathy of many friends and acquaintances.
Contributor: Tracer (48125332)
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