Absalom Barns, better known as ‘Pet’ Barns, a well-known rancher of the west side and a Kittitas Valley pioneer of 45 years ago, died yesterday morning at the home farm after a long illness from acute Bright’s Disease
Mr. Barns was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, 69 years ago. At the age of four his family moved to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he lived until grown. He then moved to La Crosse, Wis., and from there came to Kittitas County, taking the train to San Francisco, the boat from there to Portland, and making the rest of the distance on horseback by way of The Dalles. He arrived here July 4. Mr. Barns did not use his homestead right here, but ranged cattle and then bought the west side farm where he has lived ever since
In February 1880 he married Miss Melinda Geddis, daughter of S. R. Geddis, another well-known pioneer. Mrs. Barns died February 29, 1903. Seven children were born, all of whom are living-Mrs. A. L. McCumber of Puyallup; Homer Barns, a farmer of the west side; Mrs. Coda Miller of Modesto, Cal.; and Earl, Chester, Dewey and Bernice Barns, all at home. All the children were at home at the death of their father
Mrs. Isabelle Short of LaCrosse, Wis., and Mrs. Jesse Whittier of Spokane are sisters. Mrs. John Catlin of the west side who died here in 1910 was a sister and a twin brother, Charles Barns, died June 30, 16 years ago, his funeral having been on the same date as Mr. Absalom Barns will be
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 o’clock at Bridgham’s undertaking parlors. [Burial at the IOOF Cemetery]
Contributed by: Sheli Steedman