Miss Lena Barnes died October 13, 1942, at the age of 78, having been born June 17, 1864. Her birthplace was Bath, where her father, James P. Barnes, practiced dentistry. He later moved to Penn and Hamilton Streets, Allentown, where he continued in that profession. Her mother was Mary (Shimer) Barnes, the daughter of Jacob and Fayette (Keck) Shimer. Miss Barnes' grandfather was Britiana Dodridge Barnes, who came from England.

Miss Barnes had a large circle of friends, taking an interest in those about her. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Missionary Society of her church. Her reading covered many subjects, being highly cultured. She took a prominent part in the affairs of the Lehigh County Historical Society.