The Stark County Democrat

IN MEMORIAM.

The writer of this article has just learned of the death of a horse so well known for his many excellent qualities that he considers him entitled to a newspaper notice.

"Barney" was foaled near Canal Fulton and purchased in 1849, then four years old, by Isaac Bachtel for $106.00. It was considered at the time a big price: as a good roadster could then be bought at from $6 to $50. He was of large size, well proportioned, and in color a dapple grey. He was kind, gentle, strong and willing—a fast walker and good trotter for a horse of his weight. In driving him there was no need of a whip, as he was a free goer. He was reliable for all purposes in the plow, wagon, buggy or under the saddle. He could be driven by anyone capable of holding the lines and directing his course. He had a big foot, requiring the largest shoe of any horse in the neighborhood; he was never known to stumble. He was never sick nor did he ever refuse his food though high spirited he never attempted to run away, balk or scare. His weight was 1816 pounds. Large sums were frequently offered for him, but Mr. Bachtel would not part with him at any price. Wonderful stories are told of his faithfulness and manifestations of good sense. In his latter years he became quite fleshy and cumbersome and was used but little—only short trips. He was always treated with the utmost kindness. For several days before his death he refused his food and seemed to suffer pain, and when he laid down he was unable to get up without help. He lived to the age of thirty years.

Can any Stark county reader of the Democrat give us an authentic history of a horse whose merits are better entitled to commemoration in print than those of old "Barney"?