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(Page 489 and 490) The subject of this sketch is the son of Samuel and Hannah Barber. He was born in the township of Upper Penn�s Neck, Salem Co., July 12, 1820. His father was of English descent, and by occupation a tailor. His ancestors on his mother�s side were German. When he was twelve years old his father died, leaving his widowed mother with ten small children. His educational advantages were limited to the schools of the neighborhood. In 1843 he married Charlotte, daughter of Rev. William Smith. He had by her only one child, Charles S., who died in his nineteenth year.
On March 3, 1852, he married Sarah Jane, daughter of John and Elizabeth Boyd of Wilmington, Del. His second wife is still living, by whom he has had two children, Frank P. and John S. John died in June 1877. On March 30, 1875, Frank married Mary C., daughter of Franklin and Ellen Beckett. He died three years later, leaving one child, Harry S., who, with his mother, resides in the family of Mr. Barber.
In the early part of his life Mr. Barber was a farmer, but subsequently turned his attention to the lumber business and contracting. In 1848 he removed to Wilmington, Del., and engaged in the ice business, but in a few years returned to Penn�s Grove, in his native township, and entered into the coal and lime business. He also continued his interest in agriculture, and still owns near the village a fine farm which is in a high state of cultivation. His fellow-citizens have proved their esteem for him by often calling him to fill places of honor and responsibility.
In 1868 he was elected a member of the board of freeholders for the township of Upper Penn�s Neck, and continued to occupy the position for several years. In 1879 he represented the First District of Salem County in the Assembly. He was re-elected to the sessions of 1880 and 1881. In the latter session he served on the committee on Riparian Rights and joint Committees on Treasurer�s Accounts and Printing. During his service of three terms in the Legislature, such was the consistent determination expressed by Mr. Barber to promote the common good of the State by advocating the passage of just and equitable laws, that he has been again unanimously nominated by the Democratic party a candidate for the Assembly.
