May 1918 – Chief Of Police Addison Barnes Commits Suicide

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Addison Barnes, in a despondent state, fired a bullet into his head. He was found 4 hours later by his sons. The background behind this story began when the Good Citizenship Committee called for Barnes’ discharge based on claims of alleged drunkenness and incapacity in office. Accusations were made that he ignored frequent violations of anti-liquor laws. It was said that two nights a week a truck from Steubenville loaded with booze drove down Mill alley and distributed its load.  City officials were accused of ignoring the town’s poker joints, speakeasies, and booze smuggling in private autos.  “Does the Mayor and Council control the city or is the Chief of Police supreme?”  Friends of Chief Barnes petitioned for his reelection.  His champions, Peter Adler and Arthur McCort, filed a petition with the City Council, signed by 134 citizens. James M. Powell was placed on the ballot representing the anti-liquor faction.

The shock of Barnes’ death saddened the city. He had been in office for 11 years always being re-appointed by the Council.   A new city charter in 1917 made the position an elective one. Mr. Barnes had not been in good health and was crippled by rheumatism. Following his death, John Stephens was elected as the next Chief of Police by a large majority over James M. Powell, the candidate for the Good Citizenship Committee.

The funeral of Addison Barnes was one of the largest ever to occur in Follansbee. Rev. A. B. Miller of the People’s Baptist Church of Wellsburg delivered the funeral sermon at the Barnes residence.  “The casket was banked with beautiful floral pieces from city council, Eagles Lodge, and other organizations and friends.” The huge number of citizens in attendance was a grand tribute to Mr. Barnes, who was Chief of Police for eleven years. His remains were conveyed in an all auto cortege led by members of the Eagles fraternity, and buried at Ebenezer Cemetery out Cross Creek.

  • Follansbee Review, “Shall the Law be Enforced in Follansbee.?”  April 5, 1918.
  • Follansbee Review, “Chief’s Friends Petition for Recall Election,” April 12, 1918.
  • Follansbee Review, Chief of Police Barnes, in Despondent State, Fires a Bullet …,'” May 3, 1918.
  • Follansbee Review, “Mr. Barnes’ Funeral,” May 10, 1918, p. 1.