George Robert Barrett Obituary
New Ipswich Historical Society
November 3, 1916
Death of George Robert Barrett.
George R. Barrett passed away Friday, Nov. 3, at the Hotel Lenox, Boston, where he had made his winter home for years. He was born May 17. 1844, in New Ipswich. His parents were George und Frances (Hall) Barrett. The family consisted of two sons Edward A. Barrett and George R. Barrett. His education was secured in the public schools of this town and at Appleton academy. His father was a cashier of the New Ipswich bank which was chartered in 1848 with a capital of $100,000 and successfully and meritoriously managed by him until disease closed his career.
Mr. Barrett and Mrs. Elizabeth M.. daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Crocker) Lawrence and widow of George L. Barr, were married, April 21. 1830. At one period of his business career, he was engaged in the sale of books. Later he became interested in collecting historical letters and similar data as well as engravings pertaining to Colonial and Revolutionary times. His interleaved and illustrated copy of Bancroft's history is mentioned as a work of merit in its scope and possessing much literary value.
He preferred a residence in Boston, yet he was always loyal to New Ipswich and annually the approach of summer heralded his return to scenes of his boyhood days. He superintended the annual work upon the Barrett homestead and kept the large mansion named "Forest Hall" in its pristine glory.
Mr. Barrett was a pleasing conversationalist upon literature and finance, and kept conversant with the leading topic of the day.
For the past year his health had failed and he became quite frail, but he seemed to recuperate during the late summer and expressed himself as benefited by his sojourn here. In September he motored to Boston in his car and withstood the trip finely.
Mr. Barrett as well as Mrs. Barrett benefited the town in many silent ways and established memorials of their thoughtfulness and generosity. He was a trustee of Appleton academy, also of the town public library, and a member of Bethel lodge, F. & A. M., of this town. He was a dutiful husband and ever solicitous for his wife's welfare.
The survivors are Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett, two nephews, George W. Barrett of Boston, Charles E. Barrett of Winchester, and one niece, Frances A. (Barrett) Williams.
Funeral services were held at Mt. Auburn cemetery chapel Monday noon.
Photo Archives
Barrett House (Forest Hall)
James Roger diary entry
11th February 1913
Milder; snow all day till 3 p.m., then looking like rain. David went to Mr. Barrett’s and finished drawing his wood in the forenoon and working about the hen houses afterwards. Mr. Lord called in the afternoon and talked about Church affairs, roads, library, and schools, etc.
Another obit about a skilled conversationalist of New Ipswich. Why is this attribute not often publicly remarked upon these days? Could it be that people are so wrapped up in their own virtual worlds, political group speak, and personal electronic echo chambers, that they cannot think actively enough to converse across the boundaries of differing views?
As a "native daughter of this town" I have LOVED reading these snippets from the past, Thank you! BUT... the obit dates don't add up, he was born in 1844 but married in 1830? I also read this typo elsewhere. Wondering if someone can fact-check to verify and clarify, please?