The annals of West Point Township record the names of many who came here in the early days, and whose brave struggles with the unbroken wilderness have been crowned with success. The forces of nature are hostile, and the most valuable things in life are obtained only by the costly price of hardship and self-sacrifice.

Christopher T. Barnes is one of the self-made men of Illinois, who have aided in making the State renowned for the energy, enterprise and progressive spirit of its citizens. He was born in the Province of Pomerania, Prussia, July 3, 1818. His father, Enoch Barnes, was a native of Mecklenburg, where he grew to manhood. Prior to his marriage he removed to Pomerania, where he was engaged in the salmon and sturgeon fisheries. The coast is low and sandy, with many inlets, and this business is extensively carried on in the Province. Enoch Barnes married Miss Mary Pagels, a native of Pomerania, and passed the remainder of his life there. They had only two children born to them – Charles, who died in Holland, and Christopher T., our subject.

Christopher attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and then entered upon a sea-faring life. He sailed before the mast four years, engaged in the merchant service, under the Prussian flag. The discipline of the merchant service is very rigorous, and the duties required are arduous, but he who would learn to command must first learn to obey. Having often stopped at American ports, he became interested in the country, and finally entered the merchant service in the South American trade, and sailed one year under the Stars and Stripes. After this experience he decided to become a landsman, and served three years as an apprentice at the trade of cabinet-making in Baltimore. In 1838 he left that city with his employer, and went to Pittsburgh via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Harris Landing, where they hired a team and proceeded to Winchester, Scott County. The journey was a toilsome one, over rough roads, through tangled woodlands and broad stretches of bleak, unbroken prairie. He there began life on the Western frontier, with the best capital the world can offer, good health, a stout heart and skillful, willing hands. He worked successfully at his trade there until 1842, and then removed to Galena, where he engaged in business in a chair factory, and remained until 1852.

In 1848 Mr. Barnes had purchased a land warrant by which he entered the land he now occupies. The tract contains 160 acres, and was purchased for $123. In 1853 he settled on his farm and built a small house in accordance with his limited means. It was barely more than a shelter from the scorching sun of summer, and afforded but scant protection from the blasts of winter, which drove the fallen snow through every crevice, and gave ample ventilation. He also built a stable thatched with the customary hay-roof, and stocked his farm with four cows and two horses. He improved his land year by year, until it is now in a high state of cultivation. In 1869 he erected a commodious brick residence, which was followed in 1872 by a large frame barn and other appropriate farm buildings. The grounds surrounding his residence are tastefully embellished with shade and fruit trees.

Mr. Barnes has been twice married. He was first united in marriage with Miss Minerva Gaither, Oct. 18, 1840. Her father, Horatio Gaither, was a native of North Carolina, and she was born April 20, 1819, in Iredell County, that State. Her death occurred Nov. 7, 1857. By this marriage there are four children now living – William G., Albert, Theodore and Letitia.

Our subject was united in marriage the second time, with Miss Elizabeth Lutz, Sept. 26, 1861. She is the daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Pollock) Lutz, and was born in Union County, Pa. Her father was a native of Germany and emigrated to America when a young man. He first located in Union County, Pa., and there married Miss Margaret Pollock, whose family is of English descent. The closing years of his life were passed in Clinton County, Pa. By the second marriage there were three children – Laura, Rosamond and George.

Mr. Barnes resided on his farm until 1884, when he rented it for a time, but returned to it in 1887, and is now living there with his family. He has been for many years a member of the Christian Church, having united with that organization in 1839, while living in Winchester. In politics Mr. Barnes is a Republican.

The excellent lithographic view to be found on another page of this work, conveys an accurate impression of Mr. Barnes’ beautiful home and its surroundings.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)