ROBERT J. BARR.-"The boy is the father of the man," is a quotation with
which every one is familiar, and impresses one with the importance of
giving the boys every advantage in the matter of precept and education.
That this was realized in the early days as well as at the present time,
may be gleaned from the stories told by the early settlers, who, in
relating their experiences in the early settlement of the county, tell us
that the first thing they did after the home was provided was to arrange
for a place for the children to attend school. In view of the fact that
large sums are expended to provide buildings and equipment, how necessary
it is that care be taken to provide competent instructors in our
institutions of learning. To have served a community like Grand Island for
thirty-seven years as head of its public school system, is at once
conclusive evidence of ability and a duty well performed. The subject of
this record has been superintendent of the Grand Island public schools
continuously since 1882, and we doubt if such a case is known of elsewhere.
Robert J. Barr is a native of Michigan, and was born at Grand Rapids,
October 29, 1849. His parents were Jackson B. and LaMantha (Brink) Barr,
and were farming people who spent their entire lives in Michigan. Their son
received his education in the public schools of central Michigan, and
taught his first school in 1868, only nineteen years of age. He graduated
from the State Normal college in 1873, and from that times to the present
day has devoted himself entirely to educational work. After having charge
of various schools in his native state, he came to Grand Island of the
city's public school system since that time. Under his management the
schools have taken front rank among the schools of the state, and their
reputation has added largely to the attendance from outside districts.
September 4, 1878, Mr. Barr was married to Miss Eva A. Bellows, and they
have on son, Dr. Albert S. who enlisted in September, 1917, and, after
service in the hospitals of Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and
Camp Greene, Charlotte, North Carolina, was over seas in the hospitals in
France, where he served a year.
Mr. Barr is a republican in politics and a Mason, belonging to Ashlar Lodge
No. 33 A. F. & A. M., Deuel Chapter No. 11, R. A. M., Mr. Lebanon
Commandery No. 6 and Tangier Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church.
