University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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the iLaw Department. !iJThisUwasI'in the autumn of 1863, and though still .,..-,, ,..,, ,,..,,,,,,,..,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,, ,, engaged in the course, he was given admission to the bar in 1864 by the Washtenaw Circuit Court. In the spring of 1865 he received his diploma at the hands of Thomas McIntyre Cooley. In May of the same year he married Miss Harriet E. Hooper of Ann Arbor, a lady not only respected but Cher- ished wherever known. i Very soon after his marriage he went to Europe, intending to stay long enough to take some note of important methods and affairs which were for- eign to him, and to gratify a long felt desire to see with his own eyes some of the wonders and places to which his early reading had lent a perennial inter- est. But this visit was cut short. In about ten months he was called back by the severe illness of his father, and this interruption was protracted until IS76. In that year he again crossed the ocean and remained for over twelve months, and during this sojourn proceeded as far as might be to complete his original design. . After returning he adhered to a resolution long previously adopted to make his home in Detroit, and in due season to go into practice there. Not being ready, however, to set up an independent office, he engaged himself at a salary with Judge Douglas and S. D. Miller, Esq., for about a yearg but when this engagement was terminated he opened an office of his own, which has been continued to the present time. In running over the foregoing incidents and recalling the memories of vanished years, the writer has pleasure in alluding to the fact that whilst Mr. Barbour was keeping his chambers in Ann Arbor he passed some months in the writer's otlice, and busied himself in clearing up difficulties which the lecture-room had not wholly obliterated. The intercourse of that period is recollected with the liveliest satisfaction, and the relish of it was too enjoyable to permit itself to fade away amid the subsequent episodes of life. If the writer felt at liberty to give rein to his own favorable impressions he would take pleasure in saying many things which must at this time remain unspoken, It is due to our friend to withhold now what might at a later time be as per- missible as necessary. But some liberty must be taken now. It was said of the greatest of Americans that Providence made him childless that the people might call him father, and most persons no doubt have seen something deeper than fine sentiment in this exquisite expression, The truest spirits require something- beyond themselves to love and struggle

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nities of the surroundings were not quite sufficient to awe him into silence. He volunteered to assist the service and proceeded to reinforce the choir. Our noble school system during many tedious years was rather a scheme upon paper than an actuality, and the splendid advantages now so bounte- ously held out to Michigan's youth had no existence in the early years of Mr. Barbour. There were some rude beginnings scattered here and there, and occasional germs of sectarian foundations. The great University was slowly emerging like the domes and pillars of a coral island, and it remained for our early educators to appropriate the parts as they happened to appear, and be thankful for so great a boon. The want of public accommodations was so common that recourse was often necessary to private or select schools, as they were called, and a course of preparation for the university meant a H rough and tumble hunt for sufficient learning to insure the student a wel- come by a body of learned men at Ann Arbor, who were expected to supply a university education without buildings or books or instruments or money. Shortly before the close of the first half of the century, a new spirit seemed to appear. The cause of education, which had well nigh slumbered for a time, suddenly revived, and everywhere a general uprising was visible in favor of schools and improved educational plans. This fresh impulse, so exhilarating in its effects in other places, did not fail to reach Ann Arbor. The signs of new life and rapid transformation were everywhere. But time was needed, and the rapidity of the progress varied. Some places went fast and some lagged behind. It was part of the experience of Mr. Barbour to be in the current when the shoals had only begun to disappear. In making the most of l1is opportunities he boxed the compass at Battle Creek and then passed one winter at the Kalamazoo College. During intervals he recited to private persons among his friends, and at one time had much assistance from I-Ion. George Willard. This vagrant method having been carried as far as was deemed wise, he sought admission to the University and was allowed to enter. Such had been his diligence under difficulties that his right was unquestioned. This was in the fall of 1859. The great institution had made mighty strides in the few years subsequent to the revival. He continued until 1863 and then graduated in the literary department. Having previously determined to adopt the law as a profession, and allured by the fame of the great masters who had already lifted their branch of the University to national renown, he proceeded to enter

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for, and it seems to be a preference of Nature that children should be that sollzvtkizzg. But there is a spring in the heart that cannot be dried, and it will live on, even though this preference cannot be consulted. A country- a great cause--a scheme of benevolence or charity or education is adopted, and, such as it is, becomes the child of the otherwise childless. Mr. Barbour has not been an exception to this example. For many years past he has been a sagacious and untiring laborer for reform in our penal institutions, our asylums, our poor-houses, and wherever else there were publici abuses to be corrected in the interests of humanity. This service was not alluring to sor- did natures, nor to the easy-going or pleasure loving. It would not pay, and could inspire only the very opposite of gayety. It was often invidious and most connnonly out of the genial sunlight of broad publicity. But the value of it has been incommensurable, and the merciful effect may continue indef- initely. The cause of education has also felt a paternal care from the same quar- ter. But on this topic it were needless to enlarge now. The deep and abid- ing interest of Mr. Barbour in the glory of the University is known to all, and it is also well known that he is not disposed to spare his own private fortune in the race of his benevolence. A great number in the state with much ampler possessions are not moved to spare fz1zyfhz'1zg'in this way. But the fact is of record that he has lately pledged upon easy terms a property valued at from EIi20,000 to 5525.000 to establish an nrt 'Q'Hff4'lj' at the University. Before quitting this reference to his varied endeavors to make society better and happier, it is only a debt to justice to recall a notable service for Detroit. In the face of much contumely and the imputation of iniwortliy motives, and against hostile schemes and other serious odds, he accomplished the acquiremfznt by the city of her splendid Island Park. I-lad he faltered in the least, or had he chosen to use his situation to feather his own nest, Belle Isle would have been lost forever. Already it is a priceless gem set in the silver waters of the strait. At what price would the present inhabitants of Detroit consent to a surrender of this enchanting ground? How will it be when another century has given its anticipated population and its prom- ised lustre to the lovely city ? The space allotted to this sketch has most likely been consumed, and yet the writer would wish to append a few words in conclusion. And this parting shot may be aimed at a leading phase of character. It was an utterance of Dr.