Walter Barnes, cashier of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank at Osawatomie, is a native Kansan, having been born in Mound City, Linn county, March 4, 1868. His father, Ebenezer F. Barnes, was a native of McLean county, Illinois, and came to Kansas in 1855, with his father, also named Ebenezer F. Barnes. The latter located in Linn county, and was the first postmaster at Mound City, then known as Sugar Mound. He was a farmer by vocation and spent the remainder of his life in Linn county engaged in agricultural pursuits. His son, Ebenezer F., was reared to the same vocation and became the owner of a fine homestead adjoining the corporation limits of Mound City, where he died in 1901. He married a Miss Melissa Allen, and to their union were born three sons and one daughter. Of this family the mother and three sons survive—the former now residing on the old homestead at Mound City. The sons are: Walter, of this review; C. D., who resides with his mother on the old homestead; and Frank, an engineer on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, who resides at Osawatomie.

Walter Barnes was reared a farmer boy and received his education in the public schools of Mound City and in the Lawrence Business College, Lawrence, Kan. Upon the organization of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank at Osawatomie, on Sept. 1, 1889, Mr. Barnes accepted a position as bookkeeper in the bank, where his character and ability won him promotion about three years later, to the position of assistant cashier. In July, 1896, he was made cashier of the bank, which position he has held for the last fifteen years. As a banker, he is a man of fine judgment, great enterprise and keen foresight and these qualities have assisted him in the successful conduct of the bank's business, guiding its finances in safe channels that have proved profitable. He is conservative without being non-progressive, and knows how to say no to a proposition when the best interests of the bank demand it. He is known not only for his sound and careful judgment as a business man, but also for his progressive spirit as a citizen. He is a Republican and served on the Congressional committee for four years and for twenty years has been treasurer of the Osawatomie board of education. His integrity and worth as a man have won him the respect of his fellow citizens, and the members of the orders, with which his name is identified. Of polite and companionable manners, he is appreciated in every social circle which he enters. He is a York Rite Mason and is a member of its honorary organization, the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and treasurer for both the last named orders.

On Sept. 27, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Barnes and Miss Cora E. McWilliams, of Osawatomie, a daughter of W. T. McWilliams, who resides at Ransom, Ness county, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have one daughter, Virginia, who is at home with her parents.