BARENT, JOHN AND RUTH (GREGORY)

by Lucille Barent

Entry F9 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

John and Ruth Barent and baby, George

John Barent of Rockville, Nebraska came
to Cherry County Nebraska at the age of 24
and homesteaded on Big Creek. In 1914, he
married Ruth Greggory and in 1916 they
moved to the present Barent Ranch, seven-
teen miles northwest of Seneca, Nebraska.
They had three sons; George, who died in
infancy; Stan of Seneca and W.W. (Bud) of
California who passed away in 1975. Ruth
passed away in 1924, leaving Stan and Bud
for John to raise.

John married Inez Smith in 1927, they had
five children: Mildred, who died in infancy,
Johnny Joe, LeVina, Wayne and Boyd. John
died August 1, 1961 and Inez died January 18,
1982.

After Ruth passed away John and his
neighbors had a summer community project.
Each raised vegetables, such as potatoes, corn
and cabbage. Each fall they would get
together, putting away these foods for winter.
John's thing was butchering and caring for
meat. Home curing the hams and bacons were
his pride and joy. John was also noted for his
Red Duroc hogs which he took great pride in
raising.