1905 History of Crawford County Kansas

Thomas Barnard, foreman and pit boss at one of the large producing coal mines in the vicinity of Cherokee, has been in the coal mining industry for twenty years past, and by his industry and first-class ability has attained his present position of responsibility. He is very popular among his associates, and during the four years in which he has held his present position he has given every evidence of utmost competency for the management of the duties entrusted to him.

Like many successful miners, Mr. Barnard is a native of old England. He was born in Nottinghamshire some forty-seven years ago, of a family noted for its industry, honesty and integrity. His father, who was a shoemaker by trade, and a good one at that, came to America when Thomas was a small boy, locating near Rochester, New York, and after working there for two years he was well enough fixed so that he could send for his family to follow him across the waters. The family afterward moved to Springfield, Missouri, and later to Weir City, Kansas.

The shaft at which Mr. Barnard is foreman extends eighty feet from the surface to a vein of forty-inch coal of superior quality, and under the present management is one of the best paying shafts in the locality. Mr. Barnard having spent practically all his active life at his industry is thoroughly conversant with its every detail, and is recognized as one of the most efficient foremen and pit bosses in the county. He is just now in the prime of his life and his powers, and his career is one of which he may be proud. He is well informed on the general topics of the day, and takes an intelligent interest in the world about him as well as in his immediate business. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men, and has passed all the chairs in his lodge.

He was married to Miss Clara Debraner, and they are the parents of four children, Victor, Thomas, Virgil and Will.