1905-06 Volume 30 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE SCROLL. 559mediately entered upon the practice of his profession in Bloomington,in which he continued until his decease. In 1894he was the Democratic candidate for congress in this district,but with that exception, he never sought public office, althoughhe remained very active in the interests of his partj'. -\s acampaign orator, he was of the front rank and his speechesmade during the campaign for congress attracted wide attention.On June 19, 1905, just twenty years from the time heopened his office in Bloomington for the practice of law,while on his way to visit one of his friends he was struck bya train while riding in his automobile and instantly killed.In the death of Bro. Barr, every one who knew him felt thathe had lost a friend, and his departure was universally felt.He enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and was esteemedby the members of his profession. Having a pleasingpresence and being a forcible speaker, he was effective beforejuries and gained an enviable reputation, in a number of celebratedcases in which he was engaged.He was broad-minded in his views and always did everythingin his power to further the interests of the city inwhich he lived, and its progress was to him a source ofpleasure. Being of a cheerful entertaining disposition, hewas always welcome wherever he went, and he was alwaysthe happiest when surrounded by a group of his friends,having, as he would say, "a little visit."Bro. Barr was naturally a fraternity man, he was social bynature and did not have to cultivate it. By reason of thisfact he was not long in Illinois Epsilon until he was at thefront of all her doings. In the debates of the senate he wasone of the most active and enthusiastic; in the social eventsshe managed he was a leading spirit. He was noted as apractical joker and one who could take one ou himself. Thenatural thing for one to do when "Jack" Barr approachedwas to smile instinctively in anticipation of some fun. Therewas the accompanying trait, also, of sympathy and pathos inhis nature. The writer for a good while sat beside him inchapel and often noticed the tear in his eye when some appealwas made at those exercises to the higher and spirituallife. Everybody in school knew Jack Barr and everybodywas glad to be in his company as he was always enjoyableHe had in a marked degree that element that makes thewhole world kin. In every phase of college activities he hada part; perhaps in studies the least, as he was always doing