From the Family Genealogy Books at Macon County Library, Franklin, NC:

Article 40 (Elizabeth Dowdle Willis) -

Norman Lynch Barnard was born February 14, 1851 in Ivy township of buncombe county. He was the oldest son of William T. and Aveline Lynch Barnard. As a young man, he went west seeking his fortune. When he returned home, he married his old sweethear, Ida Mary Williams.

During the first years of their marriage, they lived in Colorado. shortly after the birth of their first child, they returned to North Carolina and settled in Macon County in the Iotla Community near Norman's parents, who had moved from buncombe County around 1880 or 1881.

According to a deed in Macon County Deed Book "T", H.L. Barnard and R.V. Williams bough 100 acres in macon County on June 6, 1885 for $50.00. Later he bought his brother-in-law's share and kept adding acreage until his farm became one of the best and most prosperous in Western North Carolina.

An intersting excerpt from "The Franklin Press" dated September 5, 1899 is: "N.L. Barnard this year cultivated 50 acres of corn land with one plow and the corn can't be beat in the county. Mr. barnard says he could ahve cultivated about 5 acres more with the same forces. he is one of our best farmers and has one of the best frarms in Western North Carolina. he will make this year from 5,000 to 6,000 bushes of corn and other things in proportion."

He also raised and sol mules. Another news item from the local newspaper also sates, "N.L. Barnard left for souther narkets last Tuesday morning with a fine load of mules."

His wife Ida died January 1, 1877 and his sister, Mary Barnard Williams, and her family moved in with him to help him care for his seven small children.

On November 6, 1901 he married Sally Fiske Weaver in Weaverville, North Carolina. She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother to his children.

Norman was active in local political activities and served terms as county commissioner.