Barnett, Thomas, Coopersville Observer, June 17, 1904

An accident which resulted fatally occurred early last week Friday morning, in which Thomas Barnett lost his life. His cows had escaped into the road and he attempted to drive them back to the barn, but they persisted in going back to the pasture. Shortly afterward he was found unconscious on the ground with the horse lying across his legs. Just how they came to be in this position no one knows, as there were no eye witnesses, but it is presumed that the cows stampeded for some reason, and he became mixed up in the affair, resulting in tripping the horse, throwing them in the position they were found.

He was immediately taken to the house and medical aid was summoned. The doctors gave but little encouragement of his ever regaining consciousness, as a clot of blood had formed at the base of the brain. This prediction proved true; and he died Tuesday, never coming to.

Mr. Barnett was a hard working young man, highly respected by his neighbors, and leaves a wife and one child, who are suddenly bereft of the care of a kind husband and father, besides other relatives. He was 29 years old and carried $1,000 life insurance in the Gleaners.

Thomas Timothy Barnett was born in Keweenaw County, Upper Michigan, June 20, 1875, and died at 10 o’clock p. m., June 14, 1904, being 28 years, 11 month and 18 days old when he died.

He came to Ottawa County, Lower Michigan, at the age of three years and resided there until his death, which was the result of a fall received about half-past five on Friday morning, June 10, while riding a horse after his cows.

His fall was witnessed by his hired man who was some distance away. The horse was running at full speed and in some manner stumbled and fell, throwing his rider forcibly to the ground. The man ran to his employer’s assistance and found him unconscious. Neighbors were summoned and he was tenderly carried to the house, where he lay in an unconscious state until he died.

He was a bright and prosperous young man and toiled early and late to gain his end which he was fast accomplishing. He was married to Miss Nancy Lillie on July 12, 1901, and lived happily since.

He is survived by a widow and an infant son of two years, a mother and two sisters, who reside in Grand Rapids, and an elder brother, of Reed City, besides a host of friends, who mourn their loss.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 16, in the ME church, Rev. S. B. Ford officiating.