OSGAR
H. BARBER
OSGAR H. BARBER, who is now living retired in
the attractive little village of Dimondale, is an honored veteran of the war of
the Rebellion and has been a resident of Eaton county since 1869, having here
improved two farms, one of which he still owns. Mr. Barber was born in Wood
county, Ohio, September 4, 1846, and is a son of Orson H. and Harriet (Higley)
Barber, both of whom were born and reared in the state of New York, where their
marriage was solemnized and where they continued to reside until their removal
to Ohio, first settling in Wood county, where they remained until 1849, when
they removed to Williams county, that state, where they passed the remainder of
their lives. The subject of this sketch was reared in Williams county,
Ohio
, where he grew to maturity on the homestead farm, in the meanwhile availing
himself of the advantages of the common schools. He was but sixteen years of age
at the inception of the civil war, but was among those loyal lads who tendered
their services in defense of the
Union
in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers. In September,
1861, he enlisted as a private in Company E. Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, which forthwith proceeded to the front, while its history, during a
long and valiant service, is the military record of Mr. Barber, for he continued
with his command until victory crowned the Union arms and the war ended. He took
part in many important battles and in innumerable minor engagements, and was
ever found at the post of duty. After the close of the war Mr. Barber, who had
been mustered out in
Louisville
,
Kentucky
, in July, 1865, returned to his home in
Ohio
, and he continued resident of the Buckeye state until 1869, when he came to
Eaton county and purchased forty acres of wild land, ill
Windsor
township. He cleared and improved this farm, of which he eventually disposed,
after which he purchased a tract of eighty acres of wild land in section 22,
same township, developing this into one of the fine farms of the county. He
still owns this homestead, and also his attractive residence property in
Dimondale, where he has lived retired since 1899, enjoying the reward of past
labors. He has gained independence and prosperity through his own efforts and
has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, being a loyal
and public spirited citizen. In politics he is a stanch Republican and he is
identified with the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1867 Mr. Barber was united in
marriage to Miss Tenie Amsbaugh, daughter of Michael Amsbaugh, who continued a
resident of
Ohio
until his death, having been a farmer by vocation. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have two
children: Cora, who is the wife of C. Ellis Fry, of Dimondale; and William
Herman, who remains at the parental home.