Hawthorne, Julian. "The Story of Oregon." Vol. 1. New York: American Historical Publishing Co., 1892. p. 381.
L. T. BARIN
One of the most gratifying features of our republican form of government, and one which has contributed largely to its perpetuity, is the fact that a wide field for honor, distinction, and usefulness lies open to every man of talent and ambition. No matter how poor his circumstances, with a proper amount of energy, perseverance, and patience he can make himself a useful citizen and a leader among men. The subject of this sketch is a fair example of this class of men. He was born March 13th, 1842, in Providence, R. I., where he received a good common-school education, completing his studies with a private course in Boston, Mass., where he removed in 1853. He remained in Boston until 1858, when, having become impressed with the wonderful advantages and great future of the Pacific slope, he left his Eastern home and friends for the gold-mines of California, where he remained until the spring of 1862. He then came to Oregon and worked in the then famed " Powder River'' mines ; but the war drew him from these pursuits, and true to the teachings of his youth and faithful to the flag of his country, he laid down the miner's pick and shovel for the soldier's knapsack and musket. He enlisted in Company E of the First Regiment Oregon Cavalry. His company was stationed in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana to subdue the Indians, who at that time were on the war-path with more than their usual vigor and fierceness. After three years' service he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Oregon and took up a Government claim near Oregon City. The next few years were divided between cultivating his land and qualifying himself for the practice of law, his chosen profession. He studied in the office of Johnson & McCown, and so rapid was his progress, together with the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens, that he was elected a member of the House of Representatives from his county in 1872, before he was admitted to the Bar. His admission occurred in the fall of the same year, and after a successful practice of two years he was elected City Prosecuting Attorney and reelected in 1875. In 1877 he was elected Mayor of Oregon City and served two terms in that capacity, proving himself an efficient officer and a promoter of the welfare of his city. While still holding the office of mayor, he was appointed Registrar of the United States Land Office by President Hayes, and was reappointed by President Arthur in February, 1882. His term expired June 1st, 1886, and four days later he was elected to the State Senate for four years. In 1888 he was elected Chairman of the Republican State Committee, and managed with marked success both the June and November campaigns. To the lasting praise of both canvasses, conducted by the Chairman with dignity and fairness, and to his foresight and energy is due to a great degree the election of President Harrison, for it is everywhere admitted that the wonderful success of the Republican Party in the June campaign was the opening wedge that prepared the way for Republican success in the Presidential campaign a few months later. Mr. Barin was rewarded for his successful work by the appointment, under President Harrison, of the United States Marshalship for Oregon, a position of honor and trust which he has ably filled, owing to his noble qualities of mind and heart, his judicial training, and his wide legislative and executive experience. Mr. Barin was married in 1872 to Miss Josephine Harding, of Oregon City, a young lady of rare mental attainments and culture. This union has been graced with two children, a son and daughter. Mr. Barin is an enthusiastic and stanch Republican, and has many admirers ; he is also popular socially. Personally he has a commanding presence and a vigorous constitution, and being in the prime of life, has a bright and promising future before him.
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.