ALFRED BARROW, the enterprising gentleman after whom Barrow Station was named, was born in Greene County, Ill., Aug. 16, 1834, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth (Taylor) Barrow, his father a native of Kentucky, his mother of Anderson county, Tenn. His parents had come to this county several years previous to their marriage, on July 13, 1826, and his father, who had come to Greene county about 1820, had entered 80 acres of land on Sec. 11, T 12, R. 12. Here he built a little log cabin in which he lived until the time of his death in 1839. Being among the early settlers of the then almost wild country, his mother, having been left with six small children, had to endure many hardships, but by industry and good management she succeeded in keeping her children together, and also in giving them a good education for these times. In 1869 she was called hence by the hand of death. At the age of 18 years, Alfred was employed as clerk in the store of A. Reno, at White Hall, and his success in this position may be judged by the fact that one year later he was admitted as a partner. During the money panic of 1857-8, this firm sold out, and paid up, and thus Alfred was left with nothing but his credit. For about 10 years afterward he was engaged in various ways and places, trading in stock and grain, merchandise, etc., generally succeeding very well, and keeping up through all the convulsions of the country, and the ups and downs of business life. In 1868 Mr. Barrow purchased and improved a half section of land near Cameron, Mo., afterward trading it for the farm where he now lives, and on which he has erected a fine, commodious residence, at a cost of $3,000. In 1870 he laid out and platted the town of Barrow, erecting several dwellings, etc., besides assisting his neighbors in building two houses of worship, a warehouse, and some other public buildings. Some years later he erected several good business buildings in Roodhouse, which he still owns, besides his snug little farm of 400 acres, thus being insured of a comfortable living the balance of his days. Mr. Barrow has gone through a good many severe struggles, and hard times, but he manages to keep clear of debt, and expects to remain content, where he now resides, during the rest of his days.