John T. Barnett, M. D.
Among the most successful physicians and surgeons of the medical fraternity of Grant County, is John T. Barnett, M. D., of Jonesboro. Although his residence in this community covers a period of scarcely three years he has already won a truly enviable reputation for skill and general ability, and has succeeded in gaining a large and representative practice and a firm place in the confidence of the people. He stands high also in the estimation of his professional brethren, and his opinion has great weight in their councils. Doctor Barnett's success has come as a result of his own efforts, for he worked his own way through college, and from early manhood his life has been one of the greatest activity.
Dr. Barnett was born at Hardensburg, Indiana, December 29, 1857. He was given an ordinary education in the public schools of that place, following which he paid his own way through Marengo Academy and adopted the profession of teacher. Having decided upon a professional career, he devoted what time could be spared from his school room duties to the study of medicine, and eventually entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he was graduated with his degree in 1882. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession at Hardensburg, and his reputation as a skillful surgeon grew so rapidly that his services were in constant demand over four counties. His complete and self-sacrificing devotion to his work, however, endangered his health, and accordingly in 1909, he came to Jonesboro to recuperate, as well as to give his daughter the benefit of better educational advantages. Always a great student, and determined not to retrograde, he has kept fully abreast of all modern discoveries in science pertaining to his profession, especially along the lines of surgery, which comprises his favorite branch of practice, and in which he has been remarkably successful. He is a member of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association, and the American Medical Association, and has been the representative and examining physician for a number of insurance companies. For a long period he has served in the capacity of member of the board of health, and in numerous ways has contributed to the welfare of his community. His offices are maintained in his pleasant residence at the end of Eleventh Street, overlooking the river, and he likewise has a well equipped suite in the Citizens Bank Building. Doctor Barnett is a Republican in political matters and has been more or less active in local matters, although not to the neglect of his practice. His fraternal connections include membership in the subordinate lodges of the Masons and Odd Fellows, belonging to Solomon Lodge No. 71, A. F. & A. M., of Hardensburg, Encampment No. 206, I. O. O. F., and Lodge No. 501, of the latter, and in this latter connection has passed through all the chairs and represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State.
Doctor Barnett was married in Ohio to Miss Lida Osborn, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1856, and was for ten years a school teacher before her marriage. Two daughters have been born to this union: Ethel M., a graduate of Hardensburg High School and Marion College, where she took a classical and scientific course and graduated in 1912, and now a teacher in the public schools of Grant County; and Margaret, who received the same advantages and graduated from Marion College in the class of 1914. Doctor Barnett is a Methodist, while his wife is a member of the Society of Friends.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.