ILGenWeb

Pike County Illinois GenWeb

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Pike County Democrat, 8 Jan 1908

The Passing of a Pioneer - Isaac Barton, one of the early pioneers of this county, passed away Sunday morning at 10 o'clock at the family home on East Washington street at the advanced age of more than 82 years. He had been gradually breaking down for several years, and during the past year or two had been quite feeble, and for the past two weeks had been in critical condition and his death was due to old age, complicated with disease.

The deceased was a Kentuckyian by birth, having been born in that state June 7, 1825. He came to this county from Indiana in December, 1847, and for two years was employed in a sawmill at Rockport. On February 15, 1847, he married Miss Rachel M. Owsley, and with his savings, the meanwhile continuing his work in the sawmill, he purchased 80 acres of land in Martinsburg township, only ten acres of which had been cleared - and on which there was a log house, into which he went with his wife and began housekeeping, and there laying the foundation for the comfortable little fortune which he afterward accumulated. He made several changes in location, but finally settled on 160 acres of timberland near Rockport, where he took up his abode and for ten years operated a sawmill. As his financial resources increased, he added to his land holdings from time to time until he had 360 acres and had accumulated a large amount of other goods and chattels. Later on he gave up farming and first moved to Summer Hill, but about 15 or 16 years ago bought what is known as the Dan Kellogg house, on East Washington street, for $5,000 and came to Pittsfield to spend his remaining years.

Mr. Barton is survived by his aged widow, who is quite poorly at this time, and four sons and two daughters, who are as follows: Miss Della at home; Mrs. Mary Wells, of Arkansas; John A. and Fred, of Missouri; Frank, of Arkansas; Dr. Clyde, of Germantown, Pa., who is now traveling in Italy with a patient.

The services were held from the family residence yesterday ay 1:30 p.m., the religious services being conducted by Rev. Arthur S. Chapman, pastor of the First M. E. church of this city, at the conclusion of which New Hartford Lodge, No. 453, A. F. & A. Masons, of which deceased was a member, took charge and conveyed the remains to the west cemetery for interment. The pallbearers were E. A. Conant, G. D. Cooper, Ace Cox, Robt.Foster, Oscar Keyes and James Ellis, New Hartford Lodge.

With the passing of Isaac Barton, this county loses one of its oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, both in his business and private walks of life, his chuirch an ever zealous and consistent member, his [illedgible]

Contributed by Gary M. Barton - July 8, 2006
Additional Comments: Great-grandfather to Gary M. Barton