Barba, Preston A. (1882-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Sep 23 p. 2

Birth date: 1882

text of obituary:

Pennsylvania German Scholar Dies at Age 89

Harrisonburg, Va. — Eastern Mennonite College Pennsylvania German scholars have learned of the death of one of their outstanding colleagues, Dr. Preston A. Barba, who died in Emmaus, Pa. at 89 years.

Dr. Grant M. Stoltzfus, professor of church history at EMC, said that Dr. Barba's death ended "a long-time friendship between this 'greatest living student of Pennsylvania German culture' and EMC."

EMC received many contributions from the late scholar in the form of valuable works for the Menno Simons Historical Library. Dr. Barba also contributed to EMC "as a mentor and friend to faculty members," noted Dr. Stoltzfus. He said that Dr. Barba's "exchanges with Dr. Ernest G. Gehman, professor emeritus of German at EMC, were fruitful in the production of Pennsylvania German recordings."

Dr. Barba served as a German professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. He also edited publications for the Pennsylvania German culture and history.