Silas Field Barrall Obituary

Death of Squire S. F. Barrall

S. F. Barrall died suddenly at his home near Brooks on Friday, January 7. For several years the deceased had been in feeble health but was able to be around. In fact he arose at his accustomed time Friday morning but complaining of being cold and weak, he returned to bed. After being in bed a few minutes, he was addressed by his wife, and not responding to her calls, she went to him only to find him pulseless. He expired before medical aid arrived. The cause of death was given as heart failure.

Silas Field Barrall was born Feb. 8, 1832 on Knob Creek in Bullitt county. He was the son of Christian and Elizabeth Barrall. His father was a native of France and from him the son inherited much of that daring nature which is so typical of the French nation. Squire Barrall obtained his early education in the county schools.

On Dec. 19, 1855, then almost twenty four years old, he was married to Maria Samuels. Ten children blessed this union of whom two are dead, Bell and Birdie. This happy married life lasted over fifty five years.

At the opening of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 28th Kentucky Volunteer Regiment, Company C. He served valiantly for over four years. The 28th Regiment participated in a number of engagements in Tennessee, northern Alabama and Georgia.

After the war, he returned to Bullitt county and engaged in the growing of fruit for the Louisville and other markets. In this he was extremely successful for some time and acquired much land. At one time he purchased a saw mill which he operated for a year or so. Later in life as his health declined he was unable to continue in the fruit business with his former vigor, nevertheless he was at all times interested in fruit and in general farm products.

Always a Democrat in politics, he was elected by his party as a Magistrate for the Shepherdsville District. He conducted the affairs of this office impartially and gave entire satisfaction during his term of service. He was instrumental in having the bridge which crosses Salt River at Shepherdsville erected. A plate upon the bridge bears his name with the names of the officers who were then in office.

As a progressive farmer, he was always the champion of the movement for the making of better roads.

He is survived by his wife, two brothers and a sister, and by eight children. His brothers are Mr. John Barrall, Mr. J. Alden Barrall; his sister, Mrs. Barbara Samuels. The children are Mrs. T. W. Longacre, Mrs. J. K. Ross, Mrs. Elizabeth Horine, Mrs. Fred Hatzell, James W. Barrall, Mrs. Charles Alford, S. B. Barrall and Mrs. Jasper Foster. Fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive.

We may mention here his sterling honesty and integrity. His word was his bond. In his home life he was exceedingly kind and gentle though stern when reproof to anyone became necessary. His grandchildren were all particularly fond of him and were always delighted when they were permitted to visit him.

He was peacefully laid to rest Sunday, January 9, in the family grave-yard upon his home place, amid the scenes of his earthly labors. A large number of relatives and friends were present to assist in the last sad rites.

Death is merely a transition from an earthly life to an eternal one. The presence of death among us may even counsel and advise us. We know that sooner or later we must meet death and that our earthly life, at the most, is of short duration. Therefore we should, during our short stay on this earth, attempt to prepare for our life beyond the grave. Let us think of him not as one dead but as one just beginning a new life, and let us place our trust in the future when we shall again meet.