BARACKMAN, Thomas Aaron - b. February 15, 1861 - d. October 1925

[genealogynut]

Howard Courant
October 29, 1925

Thomas Aaron Barackman was born at Graysville, Ohio, February 15, 1861--one of the six sons of Kinnard H. and Mary Battin Barackman.  He came to Howard county, Kansas with his parents and brothers in June 1874, and was reared to manhood at their farm home near Union Center, this county.  He attended the country schools, and was a studious, ambitious pupil, and at the early age of 17 began teaching. he taught at different points--Union Center, Highland, Forest--and perhaps other places, and held a 1st grade certificate after the first or second term.

In 1887 he came to Howard, and was employed by McKey & Eby in the grocery department of the Elk County Store.  Later when the firm disposed of the grocery business, he became a partner with Messrs... Adams & Strong, afterwards in partnership with his brother, W. S. Barackman succeeding to the business and continuing for many years as Barackman Brothers.

He was married to Fannie Alena Crawford, at Greenfield, Indiana, on January 6, 1892, and to them were born two sons and four daughters, namely Ruth, now Mrs. James Enright; Lois, now Mrs. Loran Robertson; Crawford K., Donnel, Mary and Helen.  He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church early in life, at Union Center, later transferring his membership to Howard.  He has always been a loyal supporter of his church faithful in attendance when his affairs would permit, and for many years was a member of the church choir.  He also served faithfully on the Board of Stewards for more than a quarter of a century.

Mr. Barackman was all his life a rugged, healthy man, a prodigy of physical strength, industrious, active and capable.  He scarcely ever knew an illness until within comparatively a few months he has been suffering from indigestion and heart trouble, but rarely unable to perform his usual work.  Monday of last week he was stricken with slight trouble with his heart, and was compelled to leave the store and go to his home, but the following day he was again at this work.  Wednesday morning he arose as usual, but as he was preparing to eat his breakfast, was again stricken with a severe pain in his breast, and within a very short time passed away.  The unexpected, unlooked for news of his passing fell on this community as stunning, almost unbelievable.

In the passing of Tom Barackman, his family is bereft of a loving, faithful husband; an affectionate thoughtful and indulgent father.  An aged mother mourns the loss of a loving, dutiful son, the first one of her six big, manly boys to be taken from her.

Words of eulogy for this good man seem meaningless and useless, when spoken to friends who have known him, loved him, and enjoyed his friendship and numberless favors for so many years.  In his going away, this community loses a man whose place cannot be filled.  ---T. E. T

The funeral services for the late T. A. Barackman were held at the M. E. Church, conducted by his pastor, Dr. H. R. Mills, assisted by Rev. E. B. McKinney of the Christian church. Four of his life-long friends sang some of the favorite songs of the deceased and John Marshall, one of the associate justices of the Kansas supreme court, delivered an eulogy of the deceased.  Mr. Marchall told of his acquaintance with the deceased when both were boys, his kindness of heart, his clean character, the love for home, of kindred and friends, and his consistent Christian life.

The Masons of Howard, and visiting brethren, marched from their hall to the church and took part in the ceremonies at the grave.

The church was beautifully decorated with the flowers presented by the civic societies of the city, and by friends and relatives of the family.  Not one half of the crowd who came to do honor to the deceased was able to enter the church.

All of his children and grandchildren were here, and all of his brethren, except one, John, who resides in Idaho and was unable to come.