Andrew Russell Barbee, Jr.

Andrew Russell Barbee Jr. (December 9, 1827 – August 5, 1903) was a surgeon in the Confederate service during the American Civil War. He was president of the U. S. Board of Pension Examiners, and secretary of the State Board of Health. While a member of the West Virginia Senate, he was the author of the bill regulating the practice of medicine and surgery, and that creating the State Board of Health. of Irish and German descent. Andrew Sr. operated a toll road through Thornton Gap; the family resided at a lodge at the edge of the road. His siblings included brothers George (b. 1811), Ely (b. 1812), Col. Gabriel Thomas (1814–1908), the sculptor William Randolph (1818–1868), Lewis Conner (1821–1877), and Joseph (b. 1832); and sisters Eliza Annie (b. 1813), Ellen (b. 1815), Mary (b. 1823), Martha (b. 1828), Laurina Caroline (b. 1829), and Adaline Catherine (b. 1831). Barbee was the nephew of General Patrick Henry Brittan, 10th Secretary of State of Alabama.

Barbee had been a tanner by trade. He was educated at Petersburg, Virginia before studying medicine under Dr. J. J. Thompson of Luray, Virginia (1848-1849) at the University of Pennsylvania, and at Richmond Medical College (1849–1850), before graduating M. D. in April, 1851 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He fought in the Kanawha valley campaign. On May 2, 1862, Barbee was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment and served in that capacity until retired for disability, he having been wounded in the battle of Dry Creek, August 26, 1863. When recovered of his wounds in January 1864, he retired from active service. Though twice a nominee for Congress, he was defeated both times.

Barbee was a member of the Mason County Medical Association, Gallia County Medical Association, and of the Ohio Valley Medical Association. Also a member of the West Virginia State Medical Association, he was elected its president in 1875. He held office as president and trustee of boards of education and other public bodies.

Personal life He married, on May 18, 1852, Margaret Ann Gillespie (b. 1834), daughter of Dr. John J. and Ann (Arthur) Thompson. The Barbee's children included John, Mary Blanche, Kate Louise, William, Ann Rebecca, and Hugh Arthur.