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Otterbein Civil War Soldiers Biography

This guide details the lives of Otterbein Civil War Soldiers.

William J. Barnett | 9th Ohio Voluntary Cavalry

William J. Barnett | 9th Ohio Voluntary Cavalry
by Christina Schweiger

William J. Barnett was born on July 05, 1845 or 1847 in Ohio to parents William Barnett and Mary Barnett (maiden name Atwell). They both were born in Ireland.  The two birthdates are probably due to the fact that young men often lied about their date of birth to make themselves old enough to enlist for the war. Probably 1847 is correct. 

W. J. Barnett was student at Otterbein when he enlisted on August 13, 1863 at the age of 18 in Columbus, Ohio. He was going to serve in the Company E of the 9th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Barnett mustered into service on September 4, 1863 and served in his company in the rank of a private. After three years of service he mustered out with his company on July 20, 1865.

After the war he continued with his studies at Otterbein College. He completed his English Prepatory for the academic year ending June 4, 1873 and his Scientific Prepatory for the academic year ending June 3, 1874. In 1874 he finally graduated at the Martin Boehm Academy. Then he went to State University [probably Ohio State University] where he graduated in 1879.

Dr. Barnett was then practicing physician for 40 years in Frankfort, Ohio. On October 26, 1882 he got married with Lizzie Darby, who was born in October 1862. Her mother was born in Ohio and her father either in Delaware or in Maryland.  Lizzie and William had three children. Their first son Earl was born in July, 1885. Then they had two daughters: Edith, born in June, 1888 and Ethel, born in March, 1894. All of their children attended school.  According to the 1900 Census William lived in Ross County, Ohio with his wife and three children. He was a doctor, but also owned a farm.  The 1910 Census says that William still lived in Frankfort, Ross County. His son was not living there any longer, but his father-in-law John Darby had moved in.  The 1920 Census tells us that William was still living in Ross County Ohio, with his wife, his daughter Ethel and his grandson Earl. Earl was born in Tennessee, probably in 1918. William still was working as a doctor in 1920. His wife was not working, but their daughter Ethel was working as a high school teacher.

On July 26, 1887 Barnett applied for a pension owing to injuries he got during the war. Dr. Barnett was also member of the Masonic Lodge at Frankfort. After 1922 he lived with his brother T. Barnett on North Vine Street in Westerville, Franklin County. There he died at the age of 77 years on Sunday October 11, 1924 from complication of ailments as he had some spinal trouble. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Frankfort on Tuesday. Interment was made by Earl F. Keyes of Westerville.

Barnett was survived by his wife Lizzie, one son, Earl of Memphis, Tennessee (Carl Barnett), and two daughters, Miss Ethel Barnett and Mrs. Edith McCoy, who resided in Columbus.  On October 24, 1924 his wife Lizzie applied for widow’s pension. Lizzie Barnett died in 1955.

 

Bibliography 

Adjutant General, Ohio War Records, 1861 – 1865, 6 – 11 Cavalry.  Microfilm: GR 6807.  Ohio Historical Society.

Annual Catalogue of the Officers and Students, 1872/73 catalogue.  Westerville, Ohio: Otterbein College.

http://content.gale.an.../print_u.aspx?dbid=8667&iid=OHM123_68-0557&vx=0&vw=1888&vh=2544&sw=700&sh=94 (accessed March 1, 2005).

"Ohio 1910 Miracode Index." http://www.Ancestry.com (accessed March 1, 2005).

http://www.gale.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4691 (accessed March 1, 2005).

"Scioto.org." http://www.scioto.org/Ross/cemeteries/Concord/greenlawncem.html (accessed March 1, 2005).

"Scioto.org." http://www.scioto.org/Ross/history/doctors-dentists.html (accessed March 1, 2005).

Obituary.  The Columbus Citizen, October 13, 1924.  Microfilm roll 9022.  Ohio Historical Society.

Ohio Department of Health, Death Certificates, Certificate # 52901 – 55900, GR 5940, Roll 413, Year 1924.  Microfilm.  Ohio Historical Society. 

Otterbein College Centennial Alumni Register.  Westerville, OH.

Otterbein’s Civil War Veteran’s Registry book.  Otterbein College Archives.

Ross County Ohio Marriage Records 1850 – 1899.  Ohio Historical Society.

Roster of Ohio Soldiers 1861-1866.  War of Rebellion Calvary Regiments. Vol. 11. Werner Printing and Manufacturing Company, 1887.

United States Census 1900.  Ohio, Ross Co. E.D. 78 – 92.  Microfilm: GR 702.  Ohio Historical Society.

United States Population Census 1920.  Ohio, Ross Co. EDs 110-117, 128-141, 118-127.  Microfilm: GR 7598.  Ohio Historical Society.

Westerville Public Opinion, Dec. 27, 1923 – Jun. 30, 1927 (Oct. 16, 1924).