Mr. Barrett received his early education in the district schools of Winfield, and at the age of twenty years struck out for himself, empty-handed, and for six years found employment in a grist mill located at Kinneysville, and for four years was head miller at the Eaton Rapids Mills. This mill was for many years one of the old landmarks of the place. It was erected by Steven Van Kinney, who came here in 1849 and laid out the village, named it after his own birthplace, "Nova Scotia." The town however, has always borne the name of its founder. Mr. Van Kinney built both a grist and saw mill. At the time of Mr. Barrett's employment in the mill, it was owned by Samuel Stettler, for many years one of the representative men of that locality, a man of public spirit and enterprise. Mr. Stettler always took a lively interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community.

The important event in the life of Mr. Barrett was his marriage to Miss Kate, daughter of Samuel and Kate (Matthew) Stettler, who were natives of Wayne county, Michigan. To Mr. and Mrs. Barrett were born three children: Morton, Oct. 23, 1888; Carl, July 3, 1890; Anna, April 6, 1894. Miss Anna lives with an aunt at Highland Station, Oakland county. Carl and Morton are at home with the father. Mrs. Barrett died at Eaton Rapids, Aug, 19, 1894.

Mr. Barrett was again married Sept. 27, 1897, to Miss Winnifred Myers, who was born in Tompkins, March 10, 1871.

Mr. Barrett is engaged in general farming, which has been his business continously since leaving the mill. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the fraternal organization of the K. O. T. M.

Mr. Barrett is regarded by his friends as a man of upright character, conscientious scruples and on worthy of confidence.

Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Page 375

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee