Birmingham business man and WM local preacher, born at Fillongley on 18 March 1831, the son of a shoemaker. Convertred at 12 under the preaching of Thomas Collins, he began to preach at 20. He was the vice-chairman, treasurer and trustee of the Wesleyan & General Assurance Society, which had originated at Cherry Street WM chapel, Birmingham. In public life at various times he served on the local Boards of Lighting, Health and Guardians, and the School Board, and held office in the local church and circuit. In 1892 he was elected to the LPMAA General Committee, becoming President in 1906. He instituted a fund and gave a site at Fillongley, near Coventry, to provide seven cottages for necessitous local preachers He died on 9 March 1910 and was interred at the General Cemetery, Birmingham.

His son, the Rev. David William Barr (e.m. 1881; d.1914) contributed the closing chapter to his father's autobiography, Climbing the Ladder: the struggles and successes of a village lad (1910).

Entry written by: EDG
Category: Person
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