The Biographical Dictionary of America/Barber, John J.

BARBER, John J., artist, was born at Sandusky, Ohio, Sept. 21, 1840. In 1862 he obtained admission to the bar, but never practised the law, joining the army the following year. Under the hardships of army life his health became impaired, and he was compelled to return home, where he began to paint, first as an avocation and later as a vocation. He may be called a wholly self-taught painter. In 1871 he established a working studio at Columbus, Ohio, where he painted many successful pictures, several of which were exhibited at the National academy of design in New York city. Among the better known of his paintings: are "Elysium of the Herd" (1881); "Pride of the Eastwood Jerseys" (1883); "The Thirsty Herd" (1888); "Jersey Herd" (1883); "The Passing Shower" (1884); and "The Cool Retreat" (1875).