Constantine in St. Joseph County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Stewart Barry
John Stewart Barry
Governor of Michigan, 1843-46; 1850-52
He was born January 29, 1802, in Amherst, New Hampshire; came to White Pigeon in 1831; to Constantine in 1834; kept a general store and engaged in St. Joseph River transportation business; served in the Territorial Legislature; was a member of the convention which prepared the constitution upon which Michigan was admitted into the Union; a distinguished member of the State Legislature; twice presidential elector.
During his administrations, general progress was made throughout the state. Educational, canal, highway, and railway projects were begun and promoted; the University of Michigan was liberally assisted; Michigan State Normal College was established; efficiency of common schools was improved; Michigan Central and Michigan Southern railroads were constructed; a new State Constitution was adopted.
As delegate to the 1864 Democratic National Convention, Governor Barry performed his last public service. He continued his business at Constantine until his death January 14, 1870.
Erected 1947 by Michigan Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1850.
Location. 41° 50.75′ N, 85° 40.314′ W. Marker is in Constantine, Michigan, in St. Joseph County. Marker is at the intersection of N. Washington Street (Business U.S. 131) and Birch Street, on the left when traveling south on N. Washington Street. Marker is located in front of the Governor John S. Barry Home Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 280 N Washington St, Constantine MI 49042, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gov. John S. Barry (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Meek (approx. 0.3 miles away); Constantine United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Heywood House (approx. half a mile away); Constantine Civil War Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); Constantine Tribute to Veterans of All Wars (approx. 0.9 miles away); In Memory of Wahbememe (approx. 3.4 miles away); Chief Wahbememe Burial Site (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Constantine.
Also see . . . Gov. John Stewart Barry. National Governors Association website entry (Submitted on April 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Governor John S. Barry House
The Governor John S. Barry House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.
— Submitted April 15, 2014.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 501 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on April 15, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on April 15, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.