Missouri Memories

Charles Merlin Barnes (1873-1966), Papers, 1892-1965 (C2802)

Charles Merlin Barnes was born on July 19, 1873, to Seth S. and Laura Marston Barnes. In 1898 the family founded Marston, Missouri, named for Laura Marston Barnes. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1898 and served as a 1st Lieutenant with Company H of the 4th Missouri Volunteers during the Spanish-American War. He married Emma Atkins in 1899 and they had three sons: Asa, Charles M., and Seth. The couple divorced in 1919. Barnes lived in Marston, Missouri, for much of his life and operated a series of businesses, including a cotton gin, gas station, and store. He died on August 26, 1966.

Saturday, April 14, 1928

Somewhat cloudy and cooler this morning, strong north wind most the day turning colder with strong indications of a severe frost.

We received the news today of a bad disaster at West Plains, MO. where a dance hall appears to have been blown up by an explosion of some kind last night resulting in the death of perhaps forty or more persons. Also the newspapers contained the authenticated reports that the German airplane Bremen had landed on an island up in the coast of Labrador some 400 miles north east of New York. The point they were seeking in their flight from Ireland.

There was considerable business in the little store today.

I wrote to Asa tonight, telling him of my financial difficulties. It is not a very encouraging letter to him, but necessary just at this time as I appear to have about reached the limit of my ability to finance him in school. Without I can make some further and more satisfactory arrangements.

Sunday, April 15, 1928

A pretty day, quite cold this morning a slight scum of ice in shallow water in protected places early this morning.

J.V. Johnson and family went to Portageville today. Goffrey Johnson and I stayed at the store. Considerable trade for Sunday.

There was a Sunday school organized today at the gymnasium and to which I should have gone, but Johnson's going to Portageville rather prevented. It is a movement I desire to encourage and hope to take part in, either Johnson or I will arrange to attend regularly. Louise Ankershiel came in this p.m. and we listened in by radio on the base ball game in St. Louis between the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, St. Louis winning the game 4 to 3. The Marston boys played Portageville winning by a score of 11 to 8, but the game terminated in the 8th in a disagreement over the umpires decision on Virgil Baldwins attempt to steal home base.