An entry in “Carberry Plains” mentions a farm known as
the “Judge Barrett home” - near Silver Lake, and goes on to
inform us that:
“As no trace remains of these lakes, it is surprising to this
generation to learn that sail-boating was enjoyed by our bearded
elders.”
We might also add … surprising to learn that a lake disappeared – but
that must be another story.
But the “Judge Barrett” referred to must also have had a house in town
because we learn elsewhere that,” All streets were named as they are
today, except for the new sections. Judge Barrett's residence was
marked "North of l st Avenue W."
Other entries tells us that….
“Harness racing appeared on the program. It is said that Judge Barrett
boasted a stable of trotters, as hunting had been an early sport of the
area. “
A news story adds this:
“Throughout 1923 and 1924, the actions of a former Carberry Mayor lead
to benefits for widows of soldiers killed in action. Judge Greg Barrett
rules from the bench of the Central Judicial Court in Portage la
Prairie that the widows of soldiers killed in action are entitled to
relief from property taxes for the remainder of their natural lives.
Who was Judge Barrett?
Well the Manitoba Historical Society has this to add:
Gregory Barrett
Born at Hamilton, Ontario on 23 November 1867, son of Edward Barrett,
brother of L. R. Barrett, he came to Winnipeg in 1882 and finished his
education in private schools of the city. He studied law in the firm of
Campbell and Crawford and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1888. He
opened a law practice at Carberry. He also served as a director of the
Arabian Medicine Company of Carberry and the Carberry Turf Club, and he
owned a 320-acre farm near town. In 1916 he was appointed County Court
Judge for the Central Judicial District, based at Portage la Prairie,
in which position he served until 1943. In 1935 he was elevated to a
judgeship on the Court of King’s Bench.
In 1900, he married Margaret Bloomfield of England. He was a
member of the Manitoba Club and the Carleton Club. He served on the
Carberry town council from 1908 to 1911 and was Mayor of Carberry from
1912 to 1917.
He died at his home on 25 September 1952 and was buried in the Carberry
Cemetery.
|
