CHARLES BARNES. One of the pleasant farms of Chatham Township is that owned and operated by this gentleman, who has placed upon it such improvements as entitle it to rank among the finest farms to be found throughout the community. It comprises one hundred and twenty acres on section 26, and forty on section 27, every acre of which is tillable and improved. As the traveler approaches the homestead he notices a comfortable residence, a substantial barn, 56x32 feet and other outbuildings required in the conducting of a modern estate. The land is devoted principally to cereals, although it furnishes a good grazing for the stock to be found there. A convenient market is only three miles away at the village of Auburn.

Ezra Barnes, the father of our subject, was born in New London County, Conn., and was orphaned when a boy. When he reached years of maturity he engaged in peddling clocks and traveled in his peddler's wagon drawn by two horses all the distances from Hartford to St. Louis. Arriving at the latter city he commenced to travel for a jewelry establishment located there, selling wooden and brass clocks, and for two succeeding years traveling principally through Illinois. In 1833 he located in Sangamon County and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in what is now Chatham Township.

After settling in Sangamon County Ezra Barnes engaged first in peddling dry goods, and was at one time almost drowned while crossing the Sangamon River north of Springfield. He was successful financially, and often drove to St. Louis and Galena, and during one summer worked in the lead regions. He hauled specie from Springfield to St. Louis, pretending that he had a load of scrap iron. After improving his estate he engaged in sheep raising and had from one thousand to two thousand head; he also raised full blooded Shorthorn cattle, and finally became the owner of over eight hundred acres of land. He was a lover of fine horses and owned some very good ones, of which he was justly proud.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Mason and was a native of Massachusetts. Her father, Noah Mason, was born in Massachusetts in 1782 and followed the life of a sailor about five years. Becoming tired of ocean life, he settled down and made his home first in Maine, removing to New York in 1812 and in 1821 to Illinois. He located in Auburn Township April 10, 1824, and was thus one of the very early settlers of Sangamon County. His daughter Elizabeth was born February 4, 1818, and was married to Ezra Barnes December 6, 1838. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes comprised five children, viz: Ezra, Jr., Seth A., Olive F., Charles (our subject), and Angeline. The father passed from the busy scenes of earth August 1, 1877, when nearly seventy-two years of age. He was a strong Republican and a member of the Baptist church.

In the old homestead December 3, 1853, Charles Barnes was born, and here he has passed his entire life. He received a common school education in the district school, and when twenty-two years of age attended Lebanon College, Warren County, Ohio. However, college life did not suit him, and returning to the farm, he remained with his father until his marriage. This very important event in his life occurred in Springfield February 7, 1877. The bride was Miss Sarah F., daughter of William Fleming, an early settler of Sangamon County. Mrs. Barnes was born January 13, 1857, in Sangamon County, Ill., and was trained to become proficient in those duties which have made her a charming hostess and capable housekeeper.

After his marriage our subject and his wife removed to Christian County, where he farmed for one summer. But feeling that Sangamon County possessed greater advantages for the agriculturist he returned to Chatham Township in 1877, having inherited a part of the land which had belonged to his father. The family circle has been enlarged by the birth of three children, namely: Charles L., Angie M. and Minnie E. Mr. Barnes serves as Clerk of the School Board and has been Road Overseer. A Stanch Republican, he supports the candidates of that party by voice and vote. He has served on petit juries and is in many ways identified with the prominent enterprises of the township and county.