This is the youngest of all the bright galaxy of townships that go to make up the county of Worth. Much of the land at an early day had been bought up by speculators-land sharks who hoped to prey upon the land seeker-and hence emigration to this section was much retarded, and the territory settled up but slowly. A beautiful rolling prairie, whose rounded billowy swell and gradual slope makes travel easy, and gladden the eye with their beauty, go to make up the major part of the precinct. But little timber is found therein, except along the banks of Deer creek. But grassy meads whereon thousands of cattle could feed, point the way clearly to the road that leads to the future wealth of this section.

Barton township is an agricultural township, pure and simple. No town or village dots its fertile meadows, no smoke of factory or forge dims the brightness of the air, but all is peace. It has been said by one of the sages of the world of letters, that, " Blessed is the land that hath no history, for therein reigns perfect peace, the turmoils of this world disturb it not, nor rumors of contests agitate it." A peaceful and industrious people, seeking to gain by honest labor their daily bread, have little time for quarrels, bickerings and contests, which go far to make the points for the historian or romancer.

The soil is a rich, dark, sandy loam, and although some places are now wet and unfit for cultivation, yet they are producing such an abundant supply of the native indigenous grasses that are sought after with anxiety by all kinds of stock, it could hardly be right to call them waste lands. This is a full congressional township, with the number 99 north, range 19 west, attached, and contains 36 square sections or 23,040 acres, and has about 525 inhabitants.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

L. O. Anderson is entitled to the proud pre-eminence of being the pioneer of this township. When in the spring of 1855 he pitched his tent on section 1, of this township, he was the only settler in what is now Barton and Deer Creek. He here on the banks of the creek built a good substantial log cabin, in which he lives at present. No man in the eastern part of the county is so prominent a figure in the foreground of any public spirited movement and he is well entitled to the name of "the oldest inhabitant" of his district.

On account of the reasons given above, Mr. Anderson remained for many years the only settler in this township. It is believed that Bjorn Ellingsen was the next to settle therein during the year 1868, on section 11, where he still resides.

Ole Severson also came into the township in 1868 and settled on section 11. He is still a resident of the place.

Nels Culbrandson located in this vicinity a little later. Here he remained until about two years since, when he was gathered to his fathers. His family, however, still continue to dwell in this township.

Lewis Allenson came from Mitchell county, in 1869, and made a settlement in Barton township.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first marriage was that which united the destinies of L. O. Anderson and Sarah Siverson, which took place the 13th of June, 1856.

The first birth in the township was that of Ole L., a son of the above contracting parties, who was born the 1st of February, 1857.

The first death was that of the wife of L O. Anderson above mentioned, who departed this life the 18th day of February, 1867. Thus she was the first to marry, the first mother, and the first to die in the township.

The first school was held on section 1, in a frame school house then erected on the land of L. O. Anderson, and was taught by Clara Wardall. This building was built by the united efforts of the first residents of the township, with the assistance of the school board of Northwood.

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.

The first school was taught by Clara Wardall, on section 1. This building has since been moved to the south side of the creek, on a part of section 11. Since then the number has increased to five, and good substantial frame structures they are, and they reflect upon the educational advantages, that is provided for the rising generation, in a creditable manner.

ORGANIC.

Barton for many years was a part and portion of Deer Creek township, but it was separated from the latter and organized as a district by an election held on the 9th of October, 1877, at which Hiram Davis was chosen town clerk, an office he holds at the present time.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, July 27, 2008