William Barnhart, farmer, sec. 11, Deerfield Tp., is son of Jacob and Phebe Barnhart, nee Ledore. The father was born in Vermont, and died in Canada, in the spring of 1853. The mother was a native of the Dominion, and seven years after the death of her husband came with her children to this county, where she still resides. She married Mr. McGill and is now his widow, residing on sec. 12 of Deerfield Tp. She joined the pioneer element of the county before the organization of the township, where she has lived 23 years, and, although advanced in years, is an active, energetic woman and wins general esteem.
Our subject was born in Canada, May 14, 1846. His mother came to this county when he was 15 years of age. In '63 he took 80 acres of Government land under the homestead act, which he put under partial improvement and sold in '68, buying 80 acres where he is now located, 40 acres of which are under the plow. He was married in Mecosta County Jan '62, to Emma Smith. To them have been born nine children: John E., Mary E., deceased, Amy, Joseph, Louis, Mertie, deceased, Clara L., Addie, deceased and Georgia A.
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