March 4, 1942 Eugene Barcus, well know Newark township farmer, died today at 12:30 at his home. Mr. Barcus had been in failing health for several months. Death was caused by a stroke of paralysis and he had been critically ill for several days.
Information taken from obituary -newspaper clipping dated March 4, 1942
OBITUARY: Eugene Barcus, a resident of this community for over 65 years died at his home in Newark Township yesterday at 12:30 P.M. following a stroke of paralysis. He had been bedfast for the last four weeks.
Eugene Walker Barcus was born to Thomas Walker and Emily M. Martin at Newton, Wis. Sept. 30, 1860 and at his death was 81 years 5 months and 4 days of age. He came to Neodesha with his parents in 1876, the family settling in Newark Township, and followed farming all their lives, as did also Eugene. Back in the '80's Gene worked for a while in the Neodesha Register office at the time the late J. Kansas Morgan published the paper.
Mr. Barcus was married to Rosalie M. Gravelot in Newark Township Nov. 25, 1886. To this union were born ten children, seven of whom survive: Nora Barcus, Arthur R Barcus, Eugene W. Barcus and Stella W. Jordan all of Neodesha, Hazel I. Shipley of Independence, Mitchell F Barcus of coffeyville, and Albert M. Barcus of Hammond, Ind. also ten grandchildren and three great grand children. A son Thos. O. Barcus died Sept 22, 1928, and a daughter Mrs. Florence Hare died Jan 3 1939, one son Irvine Paul died in infancy. Mrs. Barcus also survives.
During his long life in Newark Township Gene Barcus took an active interest in the affairs of the township. He was a staunch Republican and served a number of terms as the committeeman from that township on the Republican county committee. Until a few years ago he was one of the best old time fiddlers in this section of the state, winning the prize, a gold watch, in the state championship contest and a silver cup in a radio contest, besides winning first place in many minor contest. Gene and his fiddle played for rural dances in by gone years. Some years ago Gene was newark correspondent for the Register and at times he was quite frank and outspoken in giving news reviews. In recent years he was just as frank and outspoken in conversation in denouncing the New Deal from nearly every angle. Gene had lofty ideals, was sincere in his convictions and was absolutely honest and fair in his business transactions. He had no use for deception and abhorred a dialogue. Gene Barcus had his conceptions of life and adhered to them, and when he believed he was in the right, nothing could swerve him. He has been a familiar figure on the streets of Neodesha for three score and ten years and he will be greatly missed by his many friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Barcus will be held at the Methodist church in Neodesha Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. G. M Boicourt. Interment will be made in Neodesha under the direction of the Loran Fawcett funeral home.