David S. Barry
Encyclopedia
David Sheldon Barry, Sr. (25 May 1859 - 10 February 1936) was a journalist who became the 17th Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
, serving from 1919 to 1933.
Barry's first-hand experience of politics began at the age of twelve as a page in the Michigan Legislature
, where he served from 1871 to 1873, going on to become a United States Senate Page
in 1875. He then entered a career in journalism which included stints as Washington
correspondent for Detroit's Post and Tribune, editor-in-chief of The Providence Journal
(1904–1906) and Washington bureau chief for The New York Sun, where he was known as a strong supporter of Theodore Roosevelt
. He drew upon his experiences as a Washington correspondent for his 1924 book, Forty Years in Washington.
Barry was appointed Sergeant at Arms to the United States Senate in 1919, and was dismissed in 1933 after accusations that an article that he wrote for the journal New Outlook libelled the Senate with claims that some members were well-known to sell their votes.
He was the father of Col. David S. Barry. Jr., an officer in the United States Marines, and great-grandfather of Julia Thorne
and Ambassador David Thorne
.
Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate is the law enforcer for the United States Senate. One of the chief roles of the Sergeant is to hold the gavel used at every session...
, serving from 1919 to 1933.
Barry's first-hand experience of politics began at the age of twelve as a page in the Michigan Legislature
Michigan Legislature
The Michigan Legislature is the legislative assembly of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is organized as a bicameral body consisting of the Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. Article IV of the state's Constitution, adopted in 1963, defines the role of the...
, where he served from 1871 to 1873, going on to become a United States Senate Page
United States Senate Page
A United States Senate Page is a non-partisan federal employee serving the United States Senate in Washington, DC. Despite the non-partisan affiliation, Pages are typically divided to serve the party that appointed them.-Selection:In order to become a US Senate Page, one must first be nominated...
in 1875. He then entered a career in journalism which included stints as Washington
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
correspondent for Detroit's Post and Tribune, editor-in-chief of The Providence Journal
The Providence Journal
The Providence Journal, nicknamed the ProJo, is a daily newspaper serving the metropolitan area of Providence, Rhode Island and is the largest newspaper in Rhode Island. The newspaper, first published in 1829 and the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States, was purchased...
(1904–1906) and Washington bureau chief for The New York Sun, where he was known as a strong supporter of Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
. He drew upon his experiences as a Washington correspondent for his 1924 book, Forty Years in Washington.
Barry was appointed Sergeant at Arms to the United States Senate in 1919, and was dismissed in 1933 after accusations that an article that he wrote for the journal New Outlook libelled the Senate with claims that some members were well-known to sell their votes.
He was the father of Col. David S. Barry. Jr., an officer in the United States Marines, and great-grandfather of Julia Thorne
Julia Thorne
Julia Stimson Thorne was a writer and the first wife of U.S. Senator John Kerry.-Early life:Thorne was born in New York City. She was the daughter of Alice Smith Barry and Landon Ketchum Thorne, Jr. Her brothers are Landon Ketchum Thorne III of Beaufort, South Carolina and her twin brother David...
and Ambassador David Thorne
David Thorne
David Thorne is an American businessman and diplomat who serves as United States Ambassador to Italy and Ambassador to San Marino. He was nominated by President Barack Obama and sworn in August 17, 2009....
.