Andrew Barr – and impressive funeral

DEATH OF ANDREW BARR
AN IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL

Few men in Coolgardie were better known and respected than Andrew Barr, and when the news was circulated early on Saturday that he had gone to his rest, many a kindly word of good feeling was uttered. We all knew him as a man who by no chance would harm his fellow man — one who did not much trouble outside of his personal friends to help his fellow man, but when he did so, he never spoke of it or its occasion.

First District Masonic Grand Master – Goldfields District Grand Lodge

He was a familiar figure in Bayley Street, ever since the roaring days 15 years ago, and was first known as managing clerk to Messrs Henning, Rounsevell and Isbister, Solicitors, whose business was taken over by Mr. R. B. Andrews, who still carries it on. Mr Barr remained, and was right-hand man to Mr Andrews until about two years ago, when the condition of his health prompted him to make a change, and he accepted position with Messrs Darbyshire and James, in Perth.

Masonic Plaque – Andrew BARR now at the masonic Hall in Kalgoorlie after being removed from the Coolgardie hall when it was demolished. – Photo Doug Daws

Circumstances occurred which induced him to leave that firm, and he went into the employ of the Whim Creek Copper Mining Co., but he again had to seek a change, and he finally, very recently took up his old position as managing clerk for Mr Andrews in Coolgardie. Since then, his friends have watched him slowly dying from the effects of a combination of diabetes and asthma, and it was no surprise when Saturday brought the end.

The Sun -Kalgoorlie 5 February 1911

He left three brothers in this State, Messrs John, Robert, and William Barr, two of whom reside at Boulder, and were present at the end and the third who resides at Northam, but was unable, through sickness, to be present at the funeral. Mr Barr’s last weeks of life were spent in the home of his old friends, Mr and Mrs William Tindal, and it was from their house the funeral cortege started.

John English BARR – Brother of Andrew Barr – Photo Millicent Barr.

Mr Barr was aged 45 years on his death, and in his time suffered more than the average man. He has left many to mourn him, but not one enemy. The funeral left Mr Tindal’s residence in King Street at 3 p.m., and the hearse was preceded by 76 members of the various Masonic Lodges of which he had been District Grand Master for many years. They marched in full regalia to the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery, when the Masonic recital was read by Bro. Bosustow, D.G.S., after which the ordinary Presbyterian service was read by the Rev. J. E. Stone (Wesleyan Church). A very lengthy procession of vehicles followed the hearse to. the grave, every section of the community being represented, and a number of Kalgoorlie and Boulder friends being present also. Many sumptuous wreaths were sent.

Andrew Barr was of a Northern Irish family of 10 children. Their parents, Edward and Mary Anne Barr were farmers of Craig Muff, Co. Donegal, 5 miles from Londonderry. The farm was a mixed one of sixty odd acres with a large two story residence of seven rooms. However, although the farm was prosperous, it could not support ten children. William was the first to leave when he ran away at the age of 16 to Glasgow where he became a mechanical engineer. He then sailed the world and met an Irish girl in America who he married, they eventually settled in Boulder Western Australia where William worked on the mines for several years.

Plaque on the grave of Andrew Barr – Photo Find a Grave

Andrew Barr – Coolgardie Cemetery – Photo Find a Grave

Robert Barr stayed on the farm till he was 20 years old before also emigrating to Australia where he worked on a farm in Gippsland, Victoria for a time before also coming to Western Australia. The third son, Andrew, was considered to be the clever one of the family so was sent to High School in Londonderry 4 miles from home. He would ride a pony to school and back in all weathers, and this was when he contracted Asthma which handicapped him all his days, and was in part responsible for his death.

Before coming to Australia Andrew worked as a law clerk in Belfast, Ireland. He secured a position as a law clerk on the first day he arrived in Melbourne VIC as he was an excellent shorthand writer. He held this position for several years before coming to Coolgardie in Western Australia. Andrew never married and the family farm back in Ireland was taken over by his two brothers, Albert and David. A further property was later purchased so the boys had a farm each. The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, also never married and lived on the farm all her days. The next sister Sarah died young in childbirth and finally Emily married a grocer and moved to Perth WA.

John English BARR married Ellen Florence CARTER in Northam in 1902, they had two sons Alan and Frederick. He was to go into business with his brother in law, John Frederick Carter, as Land Agents in Northam, Carter and Barr & Co.