BARENT, JOHN AND RUTH (GREGORY)

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.