June 12, 1908 – The Iowa City Citizen announces that the former mayor, 77-year-old D.S. Barber, has passed away as he was traveling in Texas.

Iowa City Mayor #26 – On February 27, 1889, The Iowa State Press announced that the City Council had appointed David Smith (D.S.) Barber (1830-1908) as the temporary mayor – filling in for the late Mayor Holmes. Two other names – Republican Charles Lewis and Democrat Frederick Theobald – were first considered, but Barber, who was seen as a less politically-minded candidate, won the vote. Called a “grand old man” – Barber had won the respect of many Iowa Citians over his 30 years in public service.

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