LIEUT. SAMUEL W. BARR, a member of LIDSTER & BARR,, dealers in agricultural implements at Beloit, Wis., was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y., on the 26th day of March, 1828, and is a son of Samuel W. and Susan (SHEPARD) BARR, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Chautauqua County, N.Y. His father's family numbered eleven children as follows: Lucy, now the wife of B. H. KELLAR, of Manchester, Iowa; Samuel, who is second in order of birth; Hannah M., wife of Edward RUTLIDGE, of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Henry M., whose sketch appears on another page of this work; Susan E., who wedded Edward RAWLEY, a resident of Warren, Jo Daviess Co., Ill.; Adelaide, wife of Cyrus B. MORSE of Evansville, Wis.; Edward L. whose home is in Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Catherine H. wife of James YOUNT, of Topeka, Kan.; Frank E. and Leroy of Boone County, Ill.; and one child who died in infancy.
In early life Mr. BARR was a supporter of the Whig party, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and affiliated with it until his death, which occurred in Beloit, in 1868. He had previously removed to that city in 1865, and his wife, who still survives him, resides there.
Our subject received his education in the common schools, and in the year 1855, came to the West, locating in Beloit. He is an excellent machinist and soon after his arrival secured employment in the plow-shops, where he remained until 1864, when he enlisted in the 47th Wisconsin Infantry and was assigned to Company H. After being mustered in at Madison, he was ordered to Louisville, Ky., and from there to Edgefield, where he received a commission as Orderly-Sergeant. While in Chicago he had charge of the company as its Captain. From Edgefield the regiment was sent to Tullahoma, Tenn., where Mr. BARR was commissioned Second-Lieutenant. The regiment in which he served was principally engaged in guerrilla warfare. It was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1865, and discharged at Madison, Wis.
After returning home, Lieut. BARR was again engaged in the plow-shops for a short time, when he purchased a farm and followed agricultural pursuits until 1886, when in company with Mr. LIDSTER he established the firm of LIDSTER & BARR. They carry a full line of agricultural implements, and by fair dealing and an earnest desire to please their customers have built up a good trade. In 1850, in Steuben County, N.Y., Mr. BARR led to the marriage alter Miss Rachel TOWSLEY, and by their union two children have been born, Charles H. and Edgar F. Socially, he is a member of the G.A.R. Post, of Beloit, in which he now holds the office of Commander, while politically, he is a stanch and faithful supporter of the Republican party.
From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 310