Bio: Barnes, R.L. (Life Summary – 1964)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Barnes, Myhrwold, Volk

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner (Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis.) 09 Jan 1964

(Written by Arvid Myhrwold)

It is a little more than a year since Dr. Barnes retired from his career as Greenwood Postmaster. Yet by no stretch of the imagination could one say that he is "on the shelf." Rather, during the last year his interests have expanded, and he is more active than before.

His area of keenest interest, of course, is this: that the sick might be made whole, to be enabled to live a fuller and a richer life. There is a constant stream of people into and out of his chiropractor's office on the second floor of the Telephone Building. But that does not tell the whole story. Dr. Barnes work with a committee investigating the applications of discoveries made by Dr. de Jarnette, in chiropractic science. He says it is like entering a whole new field. He is fascinated by the relationship between mental attitudes and health, and a firm believer in the relation between one's spiritual life and his physical well-being. He often suggests to patient that they would do well to go have a talk with their priest or minister.

A second area of his interest is in the education of the young (and old, too). He is a member of the County School Committee, and of the Area Committee of the Eau Claire State College. He believes in a maximum of education, which will use available funds to best advantage.

A third area of interest is the Taxpayers Association, with the purpose of getting maximum use of tax dollars. He can quote figures from memory, showing how it is possible to get better government for less money, through elimination of unnecessary services, and consolidation of other offices.

Dr. Barnes also has a cabin out at Lake Mead, which is largely a product of his own hands. He manages to slip out there to work, to read, and to meditate.

He has been in Clark County for forty-two years, and came to Greenwood October 1921. He grew up in Cresco, Iowa, and attended the Palmer School of Chiropractory after graduation from Loris College in Dubuque.

About two years ago, his wife, the former Dorothy Volk, passed from this life. They had been married for thirty-seven years. Her passing left a large gap in his life, but he has not allowed this to make him bitter or useless.

Rather, he has thwon himself into avenues of service whereby he can be useful and find satisfaction.

Dr. Barnes has three daughters, Marian, Kathleen, and Joan. An if you really like to see his eyes light up, just ask him about his grandchildren.