Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 25 April 1917, page 11


DEATH OF MR. HIRAM BARNES.

WIDELY RESPECTED PIONEER.

Another of the widely esteemed and deeply respected pioneers of Queensland has passed away. Mr. Hiram Barnes, of Kelvin Grove, whose name has been associated with this Slate for over 50 years, died early yesterday morning, at the home of his son-in-law, Rev. Robert Kerr, Toowong. Mr Barnes was bom at Beck-ley, Sussex, England, on October 19, 1832 He would have been 85 years of age in August next. He came to Australia as a boy, and lived some time in New South Wales, and later in Victoria. He was married in Old St James's Church in Melbourne by the Rev. F. Taylor, and came to Queensland about the time Queensland was born. He first started in business with Messrs. Cobb and Co. His work took him all over Queensland, and there was not a district in the State with which he was not acquainted. Later Mr.

Barnes was engaged in the firm of Barnes and Co, Brisbane. Mr. Barnes's pleasant temperament, sterling honesty and high principles won lum many friends every-where, both in busness and in social life. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and worshipped at the Albert- street Church, and later at the Kelvin Grove Church, where he held responsible official positions. Of his family of 14, ten grew to citizenship, and nine survived him. His family included Messrs. G. P. Barnes, M.L.A., W. H. Barnes (formerly State Treasurer), Fred Barnes, Mrs. John Reid, Mrs. Samuel Knowles, Mrs. B. A. Taudevin (of Mel

bourne), Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Robt. Kerr, and Mrs. Henry Roberts. His daughter, the wife of the Rev. T. U. Symonds, died some months ago. Mr Barnes's grandchildren number 49, and his great-grandchildren 19. His life was singularly free from illness, and he was able to come in and out of the city regularly until a week ago. In politics he was a strong supporter of the Liberal Party. Mr. Barnes was a lifelong total abstainer. He enjoyed n clear mind and robust health all his days. His was one of the happiest homes in Queensland, and his affectionate nature and genuine sym-pathy flowed out in every direction. His good wife predeceased him a few months

ago at the age of 82. A service has been arranged for 9.45 this morning at the Toowong Methodist Church, and later the remains will be interred at Toowong Cemetery. He was a useful citizen of the highest type, and his beneficent in-fluence remains spread, not only amongst his very extensive circle of friends, but also through the wide area of his surviving relations, whose work as citizens is favourably known in so many quarters.