As dean of sciences, professor of zoology, and acting president of Rhode Island State College, Kingston, Rhode Island, John Barlow has taken an active part in educational affairs in this State. His affiliations are many in scientific and civic circles, and his work has been outstandingly useful to his fellow-citizens.
Professor Barlow was born in Amenia, New York, son of Henry and Helen (Benton) Barlow. He received his early education in the schools of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and subsequently became a student at Middlebury College, in Middlebury, Vermont, from which he was graduated in 1895. In the following year he was a graduate student at Brown University, Providence; and later he took a professorship at Fairmount College, in Wichita, Kansas. In 1902 he became professor of zoology at Rhode Island State College, and in this capacity has continued since that time. It was in 1924 that he became dean of sciences and professor of zoology; and in January, 1930, on the death of Dr. Howard Edwards, former president of the institution, he took over the duties of acting president.
Keenly interested in town affairs, Professor Barlow at one time served the town of South Kingstown as a member of the Council. He is now one of the Commissioners of Birds of the State of Rhode Island, and is doing a great deal to further the protection of the feathered creatures of the air. He is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a charter member of the Entomology Society of America. In the Masonic Order, he is a Past Master of Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. In all these different phases of community life, as well as in the national scientific groups to which he belongs, Professor Barlow has long been an active figure; and his contribution to the academic world has been outstanding.
Professor John Barlow married Caroline Miller, daughter of Henry Miller, of Providence, Rhode Island. Their children have been the following: John P., David E., and Caroline.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.