Col. John P. Barrett

The Hartford Republican, June 8, 1894 

Death of Col. John P. Barrett

            

           The people of our quiet little town were made sad Sunday evening last, by the announcement of the sudden death of Col. John P. Barrett at his home on Clay Street. He had been somewhat indisposed for several days, but heart failure ended all very suddenly on the beautiful Sabbath day, at 2 o'clock.

            Col. Barrett was a remarkable man, possessing talents of a very high order, had a lofty sense of honor and in business tact was seldom excelled. He was born May 7, 1841, on a farm near Barrett's Ferry, where he lived until his majority, when he came to Hartford and accepted a position in the store of his uncle, Mr. William Barrett. He was engaged in business at Calhoon for a time, but in the early years of the sixties he came back to Hartford, where he continued to reside until his death. By his many good qualities he soon endeared himself to a large circle of friends and early in life he entered upon one of the most brilliant political careers in the history of local politics. In 1867-8 he was Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff John A. Taylor and was elected to the position of High Sheriff in 1868 and re-elected in 1870. His majorities were very large, showing his great popularity.

            In 1875 Col. Barrett bought an outfit and began the publication of The Hartford Herald, soon making it one of the foremost county papers in the State. He continued in the newspaper business until 1886, when he sold the Herald to Messrs. Rhoads & Felix. He has been a very successful Fire and Life insurance man and at the time of his death had paid up policies amounting to $7,000.

            During the twelve years of Judge L. P. Little's service on the bench in this District, Col. Barrett filled the office of Master Commissioner with marked ability.

            On May 15, 1866 he was married to Miss Mattie Bonner, of Calhoon. This proved a happy union, for both the contracting parties were of superior intelligence and refinement, the wife entering with great zeal and effect into the lifework of her husband. To them were born two exceedingly bright children, but death called them away in early childhood.

            The funeral exercises were conducted at the home by Rev. E. E. Pate Monday evening and at 3 o'clock. The remains were laid to rest in the South Hartford Cemetery beside the departed little ones. Death may take the body away, but good works endure forever.