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Simon P. Barnhard, merchant, Fremont, was born in Ottawa Co., Ohio, Nov., 9, 1844. His parents, Jacob and Lucinda (Reed) Barnhard, were natives of that State. When Simon was four years of age they moved to Illinois, where they remained but six months, and came to the mouth of the Muskegon River, in Michigan, where they lived a short time, then removed farther north into what is now Newaygo County, which was then a wilderness. Simon remained at home until 17 years of age, when he enlisted in Co. K, 3d Mich. Inf., and served two years and four months in the war of the Rebellion. He was then honorably discharged on account of wounds received at the battle of the Wilderness. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and numerous smaller engagements. At Chancellorsville he was wounded in the leg and left on the field, where he was taken prisoner, but was paroled in 13 days. About six months afterward he was free to enter the service again, where he remained until his discharge. He then returned to this county, where he attended school nearly a year, and taught school for about four years. In the meantime he bought 40 acres of land at one time, and 40 at another, of partly improved land. He lived on this farm 11 years, then sold in the winter of 1882, after clearing over 50 acres and putting up good frame buildings. He afterward moved to the village of Fremont, where he was employed by the Patron's Cooperative Co., as manager, and remained in that position until the following April, when he purchased the goods of the company, which consisted of general merchandise, and now carries a stock of $5,000 to $7,000. Mr Barnhard has the confidence of his fellow townsmen and of the public generally in this section of country.
He was married in this county, Dec. 25, 1866, to Sarah A., daughter of T. C. and Elizabeth (Moore) Randolph, natives of Maine, where Mrs. B. was born, Feb 6, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard have had five children, viz: W. Emer, May I., Charles, Augusta and Elwood; the latter is deceased. Mr. B. has held the office of Clerk of Dayton Township about three years, and School Inspector several years. He is a member of Henry Dobson Post, G. A. R. and in politics in independent.
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