Mary Elizabeth Barnard

Written by Anna Mae Maday, Manager, Eddy Historical & Genealogy Collection of Hoyt Public Library in Saginaw, Michigan
September 2000


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Mrs. Arthur Barnard was called "Lizzie" by her friends in the Saginaw Reading Club. Mrs. Elizabeth Barnard, the thirteenth president of the Saginaw Reading Club, served in that capacity in the years 1897-1898. Prior to that she had been vice-president. Mrs. Barnard was one of the delegates chosen to attend the first convention of the State Federation of Women's Clubs held in Grand Rapids in 1895. Elizabeth Barnard also served on the program and executive committees of the club during that era. One Reading Club historian recorded that Mrs. Barnard was a great reader and student.

Mrs. Elizabeth Barnard was born Mary Elizabeth Lewis on September 23, 1856 at Mt. Clemens, Michigan. She was the daughter of George F. Lewis, a Saginaw pioneer journalist, who in July 1859, founded the Saginaw Weekly Courier. On February 20, 1879, Miss Lewis was married to Arthur Barnard, a Saginaw business owner and lumberman. A small gathering of friends and family witnessed the wedding performed at the bride's home on Mackinaw Street. After a reception at her parents' home Lizzie and Arthur Barnard attended a large ball at the Newell Barnard residence and danced to the music of the Professor Reiss Orchestra.

Elizabeth Barnard was described as a devoted wife, mother, and friend who was "admired and beloved by a large circle of friends." She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and participated in charitable and community activities.

At La Jolla, California Mrs. Arthur Barnard had a serious fall, suffered a concussion, and died there August 14, 1914. Mrs. Henry A. Newton, wife of Arthur Barnard's childhood friend and a California resident, accompanied Mrs. Barnard's body to Saginaw. Elizabeth Barnard was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Saginaw.

Suggested Reading
  • Chapman, Charles C.History of Saginaw County. 1881.
  • History of the Saginaw Reading Club 1885-1935.
  • Mills, James Cooke. History of Saginaw County. 1918.
  • Saginaw Daily Courier. February 21, 1879.
  • Saginaw Daily News. August 15, 1914 and August 17, 1914.

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Keywords: Saginaw Reading Club--Presidents  ; Barnard, Elizabeth Lewis (Mary Elizabeth)  ; Women--Societies and clubs  ; Barnard, Arthur  ; 
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