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Marion S. Barns From "History of Central Oregon" published 1906 Marion S. Barns, Lake County, is well supplied with good mechanics and as a leader among the number stands the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch. He resides at Lakeview and in company with Eldon Woodcock , operates a large general blacksmith and wagon shop. They do all sorts of wagon work, horse shoeing and general mechanical work. They have a fine business and perhaps the best equipped shop in the county. This partnership was formed in February, 1904. Marion S. Barns was born on May 11, 1869, in Mono county, California, the son of James and Mary (Patterson) Barns. The father was born in Iowa and served in Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry until he nearly lost his eyesight from exposure, being then discharged on account of this disability. In 1863, he started across the plains with wagons for California, making his first stop at Aurora, Nevada. They had considerable trouble with the Indians and at one time lost their entire band of stock, which, however, they recovered later. After some time in Nevada, he journeyed on to Mono county, California, where he followed freighting and the stock business until 1885. In that year, he came to the Goose Lake Valley and settled at the Willow ranch just south of the state line, where he lived until 1893, the year of his death. His wife was also born in Iowa, crossing the plains with her husband and is now living with our subject. The children of this couple were Hiram, of New Pine Creek; William, of Silver Lake; Frank, of Summer Lake; Marion S. our subject; and Mrs. Emma Harris, deceased. Our subject grew up on a ranch, received his education from the early schools and learned the blacksmith trade. He wrought at this in various vicinities, among which was Baker City, Oregon and then he returned to this valley and opened a shop in Lakeview. Here he has continued uninterruptedly since, having gained a splendid patronage, owing to his skill and ability as a workman. On December 17, 1888, Mr. Barns married Stella C. Linville and to them three children have been born, Fay, Lillia, Ralph Hobart, and Marvin James. Mr. Barns belongs to the A.O.U.W. and a man of excellent standing in the community. Mrs. Barns' parents are L.G. and Emmeline (Stevens) Linville, and reside in Lakeview. Mr. Linville is a native of Missouri and crossed the plans with ox teams as early as 1852. He settled in Lane county, Oregon and in October, 1855, he volunteered to fight the Indians in the Rogue River War. He was in active service throughout the entire struggle and among other battles, participated in that of Risley's Ferry under Captain Miller, and in the fight at Hungry Hill. He also was in many other battles and skirmishes. He was in the mining camps in Yreka, California, and participated in quelling several uprisings in that state. In 1870 he came to Goose Lake valley and settled on the Modoc county side. He was among the first settlers in the valley and was one of the sturdy pioneers who assisted to open up and subdue this country. He and his wife have resided in Lakeview for the past fifteen years. He is aged seventy-two and his wife sixty-one. They are the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living and they are substantial and highly esteemed people. |