Born in 1855 on the island of Nantucket, Charles Cook Barrett left for New York at an early age and began working for paint and artist supply manufacturer F. W. Devoe & Co. He transferred to the Chicago offices in 1888. During his years in Chicago, he lived at the Sherman House Hotel, later moved to the Union League Club, and eventually married and settled in an apartment at 54 E. Division Street with his wife, Esta.
Mr. Barrett’s interest in farming led the couple to acquire property in Rockford in late 1915. Charles died in October 1918 during the influenza pandemic (the so-called Spanish flu of 1918—1919). An obituary printed in the Paint, Oil and Drug Review mentions his rise within the company.
“His business ability soon made itself felt and he made rapid progress, advancing with the changes in the business and becoming Secretary-Treasurer and finally President of the Devoe-Raynolds Co., of Illinois and later President of the combined companies. Stock raising and farming were Mr. Barrett’s hobbies and he recently completed a magnificent residence on his 440 acre estate at Rockford, Ill.”
