Background
Barry, James Henry was born on February 15, 1856 in New York, United States. Son of William I. (printer public) and Mary Ann (Harris) B.
Barry, James Henry was born on February 15, 1856 in New York, United States. Son of William I. (printer public) and Mary Ann (Harris) B.
Education public and night schools, printing office private study.
Family removed to California, 1859. Began in printing business on own account, 1879. 1st man in California to advocate Australian ballot.
Founded 1884, editor, public, until 1921, The Star, one of first papers to advocate public ownership and operation of public functions, Henry George’s teachings, equal rights for women, initiative, referendum and recall.
Democratic candidate for Congress, 1898. Cited for contempt of court in criticising a decision of one of the judges, 1890, and asked to apologize.
Refused to do so on the ground that he could not conscientiously apologize for telling the truth. Sentenced to jail for 5 days and to pay a fine of $500.
Served sentence; the night released, all classes of people joined in largest mass meeting ever held in San Francisco, and demanded amendment to law of contempt, resulting in adoption of the “Barry Law,” depriving judges of power to punish critics without trial and conviction by jury.
Pioneer in introducing 8-hour day in printing office on Pacific Coast. Naval Officer, Portuguese of San Francisco, 1913-1921 (resigned). Home: San Francisco, California.
Married Nellie V. Barnum, January 11, 1883. Children: Edith Barnum (Mistress Earle Walthew), William Henry, James Milne.