Sacramento County
Biographies
Robert Barnett, Revenue Collector for the Fourth District, United States of America, just entering the prime of life and the zenith of his popularity, was born at the St. Charles Hotel New Orleans, on the 29th of May, 1847. His father, Robert Barnett, M. D., a practicing physician of the Crescent City, migrated to the shores of California in 1849, when the younger Robert was but three years of age, and died at Colusa in 1857. In 1862 young Barnett left school to make a start in life for himself, and became a cattle herder, following a band to the mountain pastures; this occupation he followed until 1868, when he began clerking in a hotel in the town of Colusa. He was so popular that in the following year he was chosen by the Democratic party for the position of town treasurer, which office he held two terms, and afterward was returned as one of the “city fathers,” as the trustees were termed. Was elected county treasurer of Colusa County, and re-elected, serving in all seven years. In 1884 he was elected to a seat in the State Legislature and served in the session of 1884 and 1885, and then resigned to accept the position he now holds, the Collectorship of the Internal Revenue, taking possession of his office August 1, 1885. In the session of the Legislature of 1884 and 1885, he was one of the twenty Democrats, the Republicans that year being in large majority. He interested himself especially in the irrigation bill, and others of minor importance. Speaking of his having held the office of treasurer of Colusa County, a singular fact is recorded of his wife’s family. This lady, Mary (Vincent) Barnett, a daughter of William Vincent, who was treasurer of Colusa for two terms, was the widow of J. Hop. Woods, who was treasurer for ten years; and her uncle, John Dunlap, also held the office, as the genial ex-treasurer remarks, “quite a family affair.” Mr. Barnett was prominent in organizing the order of Knights of Pythias, in Colusa County, being a charter member and was also a prominent Odd Fellow there. He is a member of the Chapter and of Colusa Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M.
Transcribed by Karen Pratt.
Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California. Pages 491-492. Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.
© 2005 Karen Pratt.