John D. Barber was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina on August 11, 1797. He was born as the 3rd of the 10 children of Robert and Priscilla ( Lee ) Barber.

When John was 9 years old the family moved from South Carolina to Pulaski County, Kentucky.

In 1818 John D. went back to South Carolina where he married Miss Mary Davis, a daughter of John B. and Esther ( Mattocks ) Davis. John and Mary were married on December 30, 1818 in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Shortly after their marriage, they returned to Pulaski County, Kentucky and began living next to his parents.

They were the parents of 10 children : Esther M., Robert, Edward D., Priscilla Lee, Rachel Catherine, Mary Carr, Charles, Nancy Jane, Sarah Elizabeth, and John James.

1820 United States Federal Census
Name: John Barbour
Home in 1820 Somerset, Pulaski, Kentucky
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 2

1830 United States Federal Census
Name: John D Barber
Home in 1830 Miscellaneous Townships, Schuyler, Illinois
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 3
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 8

Later in 1830 after the US Census was completed, the John D. Barber family moved from Schuyler County to McDonough County and located on sec. 27 in Chalmers township where they at once buildt a house. Probably the first house in the township and proceeded to improve a farm.

Their first winter in McDonough County was one of the Great Snows during which they endured fully their share of hardships and privations. Like many others they had to subsist through the winter on dry hominy and whatever game could be obtained.

In 1832 they moved from Chalmers township sec. 27 to sec. 19 Colchester township, McDonough County. This is where they continued to live until their deaths.

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: John Barber
Age: 50
Birth Year: abt 1800
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1850: McDonough, Illinois
Gender: Male
Family Number: 621
Household Members: Name Age
John Barber 50
Mary Barber 53
Ester Barber 29
Thomas Barber 27
Prasela Barber 24
Nancy J Barber 16
Sarah Barber 14
James Barber 12
Malvina Barber 9
Caneanthe Barber 3
Rachel Clifford 22

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: John D Barber
Age in 1860: 60
Birth Year: abt 1800
Birthplace: South Carolina
Home in 1860: Chalmers, McDonough, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Colchester
Household Members: Name Age
John D Barber 60
Mary Barber 63
Esther M Barber 39
Robert Barber 38
Prissilla Barber 34
Nancy J Barber 25
John J Barber 21
Sirelda Barber 14

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: John Barber
Age in 1870: 70
Birth Year: abt 1800
Birthplace: South Carolina
Home in 1870: Chalmers, McDonough, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Macomb
Household Members: Name Age
John Barber 70
Ester Barber 50

John D. Barber hauled the first clapboards to cover the first house in Macomb, Illinois.

He also hewed some of the logs and worked on the first Court House in McDonough County.

Mrs. Mary Barber passed away on November 26, 1861 and was laid to rest in the Barber cemetery.

Mr. Barber died March 16, 1874 and was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Mary.

The Barber Cemetery was established on the farm of John D. Barber and was the final resting site of several members of the John D. Barber Family.

* All of the Above Information was placed on this Memorial by Skeety.