Barton, Thomas 1845 - 1935

BARTON, RYAN, MAHER, CORKERY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Clayton County Register, Thur., 28 Feb. 1935.

Thomas Barton, veteran livestock buyer and shipper, died at his home here last week Thursday, Feb. 21st at the age of 90 years, 1 month and 20 days.

Mr. Barton was born January 1, 1845, in Limerick, Ireland, the son of Michael and Bridget (Ryan) Barton. At the age of two years he came to the United States with his parents and first located in Ohio. In 1852 the family removed to Volga City, this county, where the father followed his trade of cobbler for a short time, later to move to a farm south of Volga, where the family lived for about 15 years.

The subject of this sketch was married in 1871, here in Elkader, to Miss Julia Maher. For a short time the young couple remained on the Barton farm, after which they purchased a farm two and one-half miles east of Volga City. Here they farmed until the year 1886 when they moved to the town of Volga City, remaining there 17 years, until 1904, when the family moved to Elkader and where Mr. Barton spent the rest of his active life. Mrs. Barton preceded him in death nearly 38 years ago, on April 4, 1897.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton, six of whom are still living. They are Mike, who died in 1889; Sarah (Mrs. Corkery), Addie, Dan and Ray, all here in Elkader, Thomas, Jr., and Dr. Hugh, in Chicago and Clermont, who died in 1895. Besides the six living children, Mr. Barton is survived by 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Barton started his vocation as stock buyer at the age of 16 years and continued in that business for an uninterrupted period of 71 years, retiring only three years ago at the age of 86 years. During 68 of the 71 years, the deceased patronized the Chicago stock yards, with the reputation of being the oldest active stock buyer shipping to that point. When he started as a stock buyer he did all his traveling on horseback. Later he traveled his territory with a horse and cart, and still later with a team and buggy. He never deserted the horse vehicle for the automobile, and even during the last years of his active buying career he could be seen driving the country with his horse or team.

He was unusually regular in his habits - retired early in the evening and arose equally as early in the morning. He was a heavy reader and continued that pleasure until about two weeks before his death. His friends and those with whom he dealt will always remember him for his honesty and fair-dealing. Many persons can attest to his charitable qualities, those whom he helped in a small way with money matters and others whom he helped set up in farming.

Funeral services were held here last Sunday forenoon in St. Joseph's Catholic church, of which he was a member. Interment was made in the family lot in the Cox Creek cemetery, the Rev. Fr. J. P. Taken officiating.

Casket-bearers were six grandsons, namely: Hugh, Paul, Jack and James Corkery, Thomas Barton, Jr., and Dan Barton, Jr.

(Note: Copied as written. The paper appears to have made mistakes regarding his children. Submitter has no explanation.)