Note: This following eulogy, given at the funeral, is among the papers from the Barnett home near Winterville.

Tribute to the memory of Captain Benjamin Harrison Barnett of Winterville, Georgia.

By Reverend J. M. Coile

October 18th, 1895

Winterville Baptist Church

We know we should rejoice in the live of Captain Barnett as a citizen, for he was no ordinary man, being a man of excellent judgment and worthy of trusts committed to his care.

He was for a number of years identified with the public interests of Oglethorpe County, and in every interest, he proved himself worthy of the confidence bestowed in him by the faithful performance of his duties. It is said by those that knew him best, that in all of his life – public and private – he never has been known to do a "little thing".

During the number of years that he held the office of Justice of the Peace – in the district in which he resided – he so directed those that came to receive his dispensations of justice, that in a short while, the bonds of friendship and peace was restored, when at first sight, the grievances seemed to others irreparable injuries. He never used his office towards the furtherance of his own interest. In order to adjust the differences of his fellowmen, he would often pay out of his own pocket the cost of both sides, and in this way, affect compromises that would in all probability have led to lengthy and expensive suits. We rejoice in his honesty.

In the days of slavery, he was made trustee of the estate of one of his brothers, and slaves being valued at around 2,000 dollars, approximately, constituted the amount of property entrusted to his keeping. He did not anticipate the misfortune that was soon to befall him. The War Between the States came on and with it the emancipation of the slaves. The emancipation of the slaves swept from him every vestige of his brother's estate. Yet, he did not fail in every obligation committed to him as trustee. Such unusual straightforward transactions as these not only present to the world an example of a beautiful Christian character, but made a rich legacy for his children.

He was a loving husband, kind and indulgent father, and a bountiful provider for his family. He was noted for his hospitality and good cheer with which he treated all of his friends who came to his home. His was a typical home of the Southern Plantation of long ago.

But, most of all, we rejoice because of the evidences Captain Barnett gave us, the he was a Christian, though the larger part of his life was spent outside of the church, but working for an in its support of the church. When asked why he did not connect himself with the church, he would reply, that we needed someone outside to "keep up the fences". Indeed, while he was out of the church, he did more for the cause than many that were in the church. He took great interest in the churches of all denominations around him and contributed liberally to their support.

He did much for the colored people in that area and was a liberal contributor to their church work. He reared a colored man by the name of William Barnett, who was an acceptable preacher, and the pastor of a respectable church on the plantation, known as "Barnett's Chapel".

It should be remembered that Captain Barnett had joined the church at Clouds Creek, when he was a younger man during a great revival there. And, because the members who were in such high spirits when he joined became cold and worldly, he became discouraged and he never more identified himself with the church until a few years before his death.

His wife, Irene (Yancey) Barnett, who died about 5 years ago, (February 10th, 1891) was a woman of beautiful Christian character, especially devoted to the cause of Temperance and the care of the poor and helpless children.

And now, Mother and Father have lived out their time, finished their work, entered upon their reword, and left the heritage of their good name to all of their children.

Signed

W. M. Coile

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The following short obituary appeared in the Oglethorpe Echo Newspaper:

Died near Winterville yesterday, Thursday morning, Capt B. H. Barnett about seventy five year of age. Capt. Barnett has spent his life in Beaverdam district, was a familiar figure with our people and beloved by all. He died a consistent member of Clouds Creek church. The funeral obsequies were appointed for today at 10 o'clock at Winterville Baptist Church.