Obituary from The Journal
Louisiana, MO
December 31, 1875:

DIED BARNETT

At his residence, near Ashley, December 20th 1875, Mr. Robert Barnett, in the 79th year of his age. He was born in Logan county, Ky., Feb. 19, 1797, emigrated to St. Louis county, Mo., in 1818, coming to the settlement where Louisiana is now located, on the first steamboat that navigated the waters of the upper Mississippi. In 18_1 he settled on the farm where he resided at the time of his death. By the death of Mr. Barnett, we lose one of the few remaining first settlers of Pike county. "Uncle Bob" as he was familiarly called, was very generally and favorably known all over the county. Among the earlier settlers he was an universal favorite, owing to his peculiar and happy faculty of making himself generally useful and agreeable. When skilled workmen were very scarce in the new settlements, Uncle Bob built all the stone chimneys in the county, many of which still stand as monuments of his skill. He also made the spinning wheels for the women, which at that time was such a necessary appendage for the comfort of every family. And it was to Uncle Bob they looked for the chairs they used, both in kitchen and parlor. By the was of amusement for the young folks, he assumed the position of "singing teacher" for all this county, and I doubt not but there are many still living who have a lively recollection of the fun and frolic they enjoyed at his singing schools. For a great many years he was a crier at all the public sales in this whole region of country, and by his ready wit and great good humor added greatly to the enjoyment of the company on such occasions. In politics he was an old line Whig, until the party was dissolved, and always took a lively interest in the success of his party. During the war he was an active supporter of the government. Being a great reader, few men were better posted in the current news of the day or the political history of his country than was Uncle Bob Burnett. (sic) Kind and sociable, honest and upright in all his intercourse and dealings with his neighbors and friends, he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him well and intimately. His family in this their bereavement have the sympathy of all his large circle of friends. 

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell