Barton, R. F. ~ Obituary

The Monitor Herald - June 20, 1940
R. F. Barton is Victim of Death

Aged Confederate Veteran Succumbs of Pneumonia Following Accident  Mr. Robert F. Barton, age 92, died at Houston Hospital Friday night, June 14th, following an illness of a few days. Mr. Barton fell from his bed and broke his leg last week. He was carried to Houston Hospital for treatment but contracted pneumonia and was unable to survive the disease.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church at Derma on Saturday afternoon, where a large crowd gathered to pay tribute to the life and character of this good man. Rev J. F. Hartley had charge of the services and was assisted by Rev. J. M. Spikes. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: Clifford Barton, Claude Barton, Trenton Shelton, Carl Hardin, Bob Barton, Aubrey Barton. Honorary pallbearers were: J. A. Bryan, Wess Edmondson, Dr. W. J. Aycock, Dr. V. B. Philpot, Dr. J. Rice Williams, G. C. Mabry, W. J. Aycock, A. B. Myers, D. W. Wade, C. A. Rhodes, J. P. Hannaford and W. B. Harrison. Pryor Funeral Home directed the rites.

Mr. Barton was born in Alabama Nov. 3, 1847, and came to Mississippi during his boyhood, settling with his parents in the western part of Clay County. He was the son of the lamented Robert W. Barton and Martha Caroline Barton. He was married to Miss Julia Smith; daughter of Mr. Reuben Smith, one of the county’s esteemed pioneer citizens, who passed away many years ago. His first wife died Oct. 2 1913 and in 1915 he was married to Mrs. Ellen Hardy, who died in 1937.
Mr. Barton was one of the two surviving Confederate Veterans of Calhoun County. Although too young to serve in the entire Civil War, he was mustered into the service when quite young and near the close of the war. He was a man of honesty, upright character and unselfish disposition. His life was spent in this section, where he had the respect and confidence of the people. As a young man, following the close of the Civil War, he helped the people to rebuild this section and was instrumental in driving out the carpet baggers following the political upheavals of the 70’s. No man in the county was more universally loved than “Uncle Bob” Barton. His whole life is worthy of emulation and his kindly deeds and unselfish character will live in the hearts of his friends throughout the years.

He is survived by the following sons and daughters: Edgar Barton, Derma, Smith Barton, Derma, Leo Barton, Pittsboro, Mrs. Vera Shelton, Bruce, Mrs. Clara Moseley, Derma, and Mrs. Lora Pyron, Houston. Three brothers, Dave Barton, Fed Barton and Watt Barton, all of Texas, and two sisters, Mrs. Addie Carroll of Texas and Mrs. Lula Martin of Mantee also survive.