Horace Thomas Barnaby was born in Angelica, Allegany County, N. Y., April 16, 1823. By the loss of both of his parents he was left an orphan at twelve years of age. In October, 1842, he came to Michigan and bought land in the Township of Wright, Hillsdale County, where, in July, 1844, he was married to Miss Lydia Ann Wilson. In 1850 he went by the overland route to California, and in the December following, on account of failing health, he went to Central America where he remained until the next March and then returned to Michigan, reaching home April 1, 1851.

In 1852 Mr. Barnabv was converted and united with the Methodist Protestant Church, soon thereafter entering the ministry.

In the spring of 1854 Mr. Barnaby sold his land in Hillsdale County, and moved into Gratiot County, at that time a wilderness almost entirely. In company with Peter Hoffman he cut the first road into what was then known as "town 10-2"—afterward named North Star. He was one of the leading figures among the pioneers, becoming known and highly respected throughout the county. Besides filling most of the township offices including supervisor six years, he was elected county clerk in 1860, holding the office one term. In 1868 and again in 1870 he was elected representative in the state legislature.

In 1875 Mr. Barnaby sold his property in Gratiot and moved to Kent County.

It affords keen pleasure to be able to present this sketch, with the accompanying portrait of one who so conspicuously and so honorably performed his part in the work of starting the county on its prosperous and successful career.