Aberdeen Daily news Friday, April 29, 1898
Mrs. Maria Barr, wife of J. W. Barr, died at 5:30 o’clock this morning, April 29th, of consumption after a lingering and painful illness. She was born at Morgantown, in what is now West Virginia, on July 22d, 1844, and was therefore in her 54th year. On October 19th, 1866, she married to Mr. Barr, who had then been home from the war but a short period. She moved to Aberdeen in 1883 and had ever since resided here. The change was made for her health, which was even then undermined and greatly reduced, and it no doubt prolonged her life, as it was not then thought she could long survive.
She was the mother of nine children, but four of whom, viz: Mrs. H. N Brothers of Aberdeen, Harry of the United States army, and Masters Joe and Guy Barr, are living. Two of her children died and were buried in Virginia, and three passed away in Aberdeen and lie at rest in Riverside cemetery.
There were nine children in the family circle in which Mrs. Barr was reared, and of these but three are alive at this time. The others died of that wasting disease, consumption. Mrs. Barr joined the Presbyterian church at Grafton, Va, in 1873, and had ever since remained a consistent, earnest member. When strength permitted, she took an active part in church and religious duties and was not wanting in many good works. She united with the Presbyterian church upon coming to Aberdeen, and her family has been prominently connected with that denomination. She died a thorough Christian, confident of her resurrection and a life eternal where sorrow and sickness shall have no place. The funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, and will be conducted by the family’s pastor, Rev. C. C. Todd. Prior to that hour very brief exercises will be had at the residence on Ninth avenue east.
Further Research: per Findagrave.com: Maria Louise Haldenman Barr, 22 Jul 1844-29 April 1898. Riverside Memorial Park cemetery.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith