Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Making a Difference in Rural Illinois
A Foundation for Sustainable Rural Community Development
Charles S. Barrett
Country Life Commission Member
Country Life Commission member Charles Simon Barrett was president of the National Farmers Union from 1906 to 1928. The activist organization was instrumental in organizing cooperatives nationally, among other things.
Barrett was born to a prominent Pike County, GA, family. His father was a farmer and state legislator. After attending county schools, he attended normal (teacher) colleges in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. For several years, he farmed and taught school.
He was one of the first men in Upson County, GA, to join the Farmers Union. By a unanimous vote, he became that county chapter's first president. In 1905, he became the first president of the union's state organization. In 1906, he was the only man mentioned for the position of national president (Scott and Guynn, 1997).
Works by C.S. Barrett
- 1909. The Mission, History and Times of the Farmers' Union. Nashville: Marshall & Bruce Co.
- 1923. Uncle Reuben in Washington. Washington: The Farmers National Publishing Co.
Recommended Resource
- Scott, Carole E.; Guynn, Richard D. Guynn, 1997. “The Disappearance from Georgia of the Farm Union.” State University of West Georgia http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/1997/farmer.html (Accessed May 21, 2008).
