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JOHN S. BARRY BY H. H. RILEY
It was a work just adapted to his mind and he had the patient industry, and dogged resolution to probe every proposed measure to the bottom. He was very slow in coming to a conclusion, believed nothing that he could not demonstrate, and was never willing to express an opinion until every authority had been consulted and every fact examined. He was skeptical on all subjects. I have heard him say, more than once, that history was not to be trusted—it was written in the interest of some party or sect, and the only way was to read all, from all sides, and get as near the truth as possible. He was never carried away by the blandishments of men, flattery did not disturb him, and it may be remembered by some persons still living that he refused promotion to some of the most active democratic politicians who were instrumental in his election, because, as he said, they were unfit to hold office under him.
The public estimation of John S. Barry as a man has always been a mistake. I know that in the discharge of his official duty he was cold and reserved, and always held himself in check, and was careful not to commit himself, until he was ready to act. He had no friends who could bring him in conflict with what he regarded his public duty. But in private, at home among his people in his own house, no man ever lived who was, more approachable, who talked more, or who was more hospitable under his own roof. I have heard Mm time and time again, sitting in his store, a half a dozen farmers around him, discussing as he could discuss, some important question before congress; some problem in European affairs or some domestic matter, political, economical or financial, and I well remember what earnestness and enthusiasm he pressed into his arguments and how thoroughly he was posted in what he said.
Michigan
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