Demas BARNES, Congress, NY (1827-1888)

BARNES, Demas, a Representative from New York; born in Gorham Township, Ontario County, N.Y., April 4, 1827; attended the public schools; engaged in mercantile pursuits; moved to New York City in 1849 and engaged in the drug business; crossed the continent in a wagon and studied the mineral resources of Colorado, Nevada, and California; returned to New York City and wrote articles and published works concerning his experiences; elected as a Democrat to the Fortieth Congress (March 4, 1867-March 3, 1869); was not a candidate for renomination in 1868; established and edited the Brooklyn Argus in 1873 and was also engaged in the real-estate business; member of the board of education; one of the original trustees of the Brooklyn Bridge when it was a private enterprise; died in New York City May 1, 1888; interment in Greenwood Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present