Pioneer of 1880 dies at Wallowa
Courtesy of Wallowa Sun
Another Wallowa county pioneer I.W. Barton, was claimed by death, at Wallowa, June 22, 1928. Mr. Barton was born in Howell county, Missouri, June 13, 1843, being at the time of his demise, 86 years and 9 days of age.
Mr. Barton was brought up in Arkansas, married in Illinois and came to Wallowa in 1880. He located a homestead about a mile north of Wallowa, his log claimholder being upon the spot where the Jack Johnson house now stands, between the bridges of Bear Creek and Wallowa river.
In 1887 his wife deceased leaving him the following children; John W. of Stockton, California; Lulu M. McElvain, also of California; Edgar L. of Salem; Eli E. of Moclips, Washington; Mrs. B.B. Oliver of Wallowa, and James N. of Spokane.
December 9, 1899, Mr. Barton married Mrs. E. May Chamberlain and to this union there were born Averil of Los Angeles, and Eugene J., of Riverside, California. Also surviving, are a brother, James H., of Walla Walla, Washington, together with his widow, numerous grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In earlier life Mr. Barton manifested an interest in church matters and was for several years class leader in the Methodist church. He has always been known as a man of pious instincts and religious habits.
He was a vigorous, active man but withal, fond of nature in her various moods and only two or three years ago rode up the south fork of the Wallowa to its head, then followed the range trail along the summit between the heads of creeks and rivers reveling in the magnificent scenery and returned to the valley by the way of the Minam.
He was in the early 90’s candidate of the Populist party for the state legislature and carried his precinct although he failed for election.
The funeral of which Byron Miller and H.W. Oliver had charge, was held from the Haisten undertaking parlors and the remains were laid to rest in the Lower Valley cemetery.
Source: Enterprise Record Chieftain, Enterprise, Oregon, June 27, 1929, page 10
Contributed by: Sue Wells
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor