Source : A Reminiscent History of the Ozark Region

By: Goodspeed Publishing Co.Copyright 1894

Thomas S. Barnes

Thomas S. Barnes, merchant and farmer of Barnesville, Reynolds County Mo., and one of the representative men of the county was born on January 11,1835, in Wilkes County, N.C. His father, Thomas Barnes was born in North Carolina, but his grandfather, Edward Barnes,although born in America, was of Irish parentage, his father and mother coming to America from Ireland prior to the Revolutionary War. Thomas Barnes, father of said subject, was reared and married in his native state and there remained until about 1835, when he started for the West, coming by wagon. He brought his family and located in Pilot Knob, Iron County, where he bought land and farmed for some time. In 1837 , he sold out and came to this section of the State, locating in Barnesville, which was then in Ripley County, but now in Reynolds County. He bought a tract of land, but soon after entered more land, and engaged in farming, until his death in 1860. Being one of the first immigrants, he saw the country change from primitive, and assisted in that change. For many years he followed milling, owning a water mill on Logan's Creek, and he operated a distillery for a number of years. He was married twice and three children were born to the first union; James, Rebecca, and William, all of whom died in Missouri. He was married second to Polly Stinson. The following children were born; Sarah; wife of William Thornton; Thomas S; this subject; Josiah B., deceased; Edward; deceased; Elizabeth, wife of John Baker of Texas; John, Deceased Nancy, Wife of Nelson Barton; Martha, wife of Gladden Tubbs; Mary A., widow of Smith W. Cotton and the remainder died young. My Barnes died at his home in Reynolds County and Mrs. Barnes died in 1867. Both attended the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was quite small when he came to this section. When the war broke out he and his brother John enlisted in the Union Army, Company B, Twelfth Missouri Stat Militia and then latter (John) died while in service. Our Subject served as a Corporal for thirteen months and then returned home. He saw hard times during the war and after being discharged he went to Illinois, where he remained until cession of hostilities, returning to Barnesville in 1866. He obtained a good education. He learned the Blacksmiths trade and followed it in connection with farming. In 1855 he married Caroline Leggett, daughter of Samuel Leggett, who made his home in the county but died in Illinois during the war. To this union three children were born; Aaron, Emily, Wife of James Walker; and Thomas, who died in Texas. Mr Barnes lost his first wife in 1859 and his second union was with Miss Mary Eddings, daughter of Calvin Eddings, now living in Arkansas. Five children were the fruits of this union; John, a resident of Arkansas, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. McRey of the State of Washington, Sarah; Eli, resides in Arkansas and Margaret, Wife of E.C. Bowers of this county. After the death of his second wife, Mr Barnes married Miss Elana Chitwood, daughter of Andrew Chitwood who died during the war. Seven children were born; Grant, Leander (deceased), Wilson, Lucy, Luther, Cora, and Elsie. Mr. Barnes engaged in merchandising and has now followed this with marked success for six years. Socially he is a Mason, a member of the Barnesville Lodge No. 455 and was secretary at the lodge for several years. At present he is it's chaplain. He was a strong republican since the Buchanan Election. He has 100 acres of land under cultivation. Barnesville was named after his father in 1855.