H. M. Barnes, a successful physician and surgeon of Blue Mound, and a son of the late William Phineas Barnes, was born in Blue Mound, Nov. 16, 1877, and was there reared and educated in its public shools. He subsequently became a student in Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kan., and for his professional training attended the Keokuk Medical College, Keokuk, Iowa, and the University Medical College, Kansas City, Mo., graduating in the latter institution, in March, 1899, when little past twenty-one years of age, the youngest member of his class. He began the practice of his profession in his native town, and from the first has been successful. His specialty is surgery, and in that branch of therapeutics he has proved a practitioner of exceptional ability. He has ever been a student, desirous of keeping in close touch with the latest developments of his science, and by his own observation and experience, supplemented by the careful reading of the best medical journals, he keeps abreast with the most advanced thought of his profession. He is associated with others of his chosen line of endeavor as a member of the Linn County Medical Society and the Kansas State Medical Society. He is prominently affiliated with a number of fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Masonic order and served as Master of Blue Mound Lodge during 1909 and 1910; a member of the Modern Woodmen of America; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights and Ladies of Security.

On July 19, 1900, Dr. Barnes married Miss Ethel Virginia Kirby, of Worcester, Mass. Dr. Barnes shares the high esteem in which his father was held by the citizens of Blue Mound, and like him is striving to make his life one of usefulness to those of his community and state. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are valued members of the social circles of Blue Mound.