Michael Barry was born in 1812 in the Parish of Ahada, County Cork, Ireland. In 1834, he left Ireland for America and settled in St. Lawrence County, New York. Starting out as a laborer, he earned a living clearing timber and gradually worked his way up until he was able to purchase a small farm of his own.
Michael married Mary Barry of Cappaghwhite, Cappaghwhite in County Tipperary, Ireland. They came to Wisconsin in 1848, entering 80 acres where they built a shanty of logs and lumber, and began the work which has given him a 280-acre farm, with substantial buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Barry had ten children—Phillip, Patrick, Garret, Mary (Mrs. James Whalen), Abigail (Mrs. C. O’Brien), John, Catherine, Bridget, Teresa and Thomas F; the four youngest are at home; the eldest, born in New York, was Clerk of Dane Co. The family are Catholics, and Independent in politics.
1880 History of Dane County, Town of Fitchburg, p. 1253.