joseph james barton (1871 - 1939)

Joseph James BARTON and Harriet (nee KEEFE) – (Compiled by John Malone)

JOSEPH JAMES BARTON (1871 - 1939)

HARRIET KEEFE (1882 - 1872)

Joseph James Barton was born at "Little Plains" Frogmore

on 20 October 1871.

He was the first child of Joseph Barton Snr, although his

mother Johanna (nee Butler) had other children by a previous

marriage to Henry Evans.

At this period of time in Australian history, work was

progressing on the Overland Telegraph. The discovery of

abundant fresh water springs by workers on the Overland

Telegraph on the Todd River led to the establishment of the town

Stuart, which was later officially re-named Alice Springs.

The Java - Port Darwin telegraph cable was completed and soon

after Joseph James Barton's birth, the first overseas cable sent to

Australia was received.

Joseph James Barton spent his childhood and adolescent

years at "Little Plains", along with his two brothers Walter Thomas Barton and George Francis

Barton, and also with a number of the Evans step-brothers and step-sisters.

This photo uncovered in 2020 from the collection of Joy

Gorham (nee Medway) granddaughter of Charles Alfred

Evans shows:

Back:

Charles Alfred Evans (1867 – 1921)

Son of Johanna Butler and Henry Evans

Front:

Joseph James Barton (1871 – 1939)

Walter Thomas Barton (1874 – 1908)

Sons of Johanna Evans (nee Butler) and Joseph

Barton

Charles Alfred Evans was a half-brother to both James

and Walter Barton having the same mother, Johanna

Butler


Joseph James Barton was 29 years of age when on 24

October 1900, he was to wed his 18 year old bride

Harriet Keefe.

Harriet was the 3rd child of John Keefe and Charlotte

Matilda (nee Gorham).

The wedding ceremony took place at John Keefe's

residence "Spring Vale" on Gunnary Ck.

Joseph James and Harriet continued to live at "Little

Plains" along with Joseph James parents and family.

Harriet Keefe (back row far left) was the 2nd

daughter of John Keefe and Charlotte Matilda

(nee Gorham)

Harriet’s elder sister Catherine

Keefe (back row far right) was to marry Walter

Thomas Barton (brother of James Joseph

Barton) some nine months later on 26 June

1901.

It was thus a case of:

2 brothers

marrying

2 sisters


Joseph James and Harriet Barton (continued)

Three months after their marriage Joseph James and Harriet Barton celebrated the arrival of their

first baby Archibald Henry Barton who arrived on 5 January 1901.

Although unsure of the order, a sequence of movements is likely to have occurred in the next few

years:

* Walter Barton married Catherine Keefe (sister of Harriet) and moved to "Spring Creek",

Frogmore.

* Joseph Barton Snr and Johanna moved to the property "Redbank", Frogmore.

* The youngest brother, George Francis Barton married Elizabeth Croker (the daughter of

James Croker and Emily Caroline Evans).

* Walter and Catherine Barton returned to "Little Plains" to join Joseph James and Harriet

Barton.

* George Francis Barton moved to "Spring Creek", Frogmore.

The sequence of movements above were followed by a series of losses for Joseph James and Harriet

Barton and the extended Barton families:

* Joseph’s brother George Francis Barton died in August 1904 of

tuberculosis, just 28 years of age, leaving a wife Elizabeth and son

Reginald who both had tuberculosis.

* Joseph’s mother Johanna Barton died in July 1906 of heart failure aged

71 years.

The birth of Joseph and Harriet’s 5th child Dulcie Matilda Barton on 16

August 1907 was a ‘ray of sunshine’ in these tragic times, but it was to be

short lived!

* Harriet’s sister and Joseph’s sister-in-law Catherine Barton died in Yass

Hospital on 3 November 1907 at just 27 years of age, leaving behind a

husband and young family of four children Ethel aged 6 yrs, Elsie aged 4

yrs, Esther aged 2 yrs and ‘Toby’ aged 1 yr. Catherine, who was expecting her 5th child, was suffering from appendicitis, and after consulting

a doctor in Burrowa, was rushed (I presume horse and buggy) to Yass Hospital, a distance of over

70km from "Little Plains".

She was diagnosed as suffering from acute peritonitis, rupture of the bowel and abortion.

Following an operation by Dr P T Thane, Catherine failed to respond to treatment

After the death of Catherine, her sister Harriet and brother-in-law Joseph James Barton

unselfishly helped Walter through a very sad period by taking care of his very young family.

Family Tragedy Strikes


Final Tragedy - Walter Thomas Barton dies

Just six months after the death of his wife, Walter Barton was sent to Lewisham Hospital in Sydney to

seek treatment for a hydatid cyst.

The term ‘tapeworm’ describes a group of parasitic worms that live in the gut of animals, including humans. These infestations are found worldwide. They can be caused when humans consume raw or undercooked animal products that contain worm larvae (for beef or pork). Humans can also become infested after close contact with animals like cats and dogs. In Australia, the most serious locally acquired form of tapeworm infestation is caused by the hydatid tapeworm, which can infect dogs and dingoes, particularly in sheep farming areas. A person who comes in contact with the faeces of an infected dog (that is, when eggs from the tapeworm are passed in the faeces) may develop hydatid disease. This is serious and potentially fatal. Infection with tapeworm eggs causes cysts to form in vital organs such as the liver and lungs.

Today, modern medicine has a very high success rate in treating hydatid infection, but this was not

the case for Walter Barton and he died while receiving treatment on 2 June 1908. Walter Barton was

just 33 years of age, leaving behind a family of 4 young orphaned children.

Orphaned Barton Children – What next!

Joseph and Harriet Barton had recently increased their own family to 5 children with birth of Dulcie

Matilda Barton.

Without hesitation, Joseph James and Harriet Barton quickly made the unselfish decision to foster

Walter and Catherine Barton's 4 children, thus suddenly boosting their family to 9 children.

9 children under 8 years

The new family at the time of Walter Barton's death was:

Child Age Relationship to

Joseph & Harriet

Child Age Relationship to

Joseph & Harriet

Archibald 7 yr 4 mth son Ethel 6 yr 9 mth niece

Cecil ‘Tom’ 5 yr 11 mth son Elsie 4 yr 11 mth niece

Gladys 3 yr 11 mth daughter Esther 3 yr 2 mth niece

Francis

Joseph

‘Dick’

2 yr 8 mth son ‘Toby’ 1 yr 7 mth nephew

Dulcie 9 mth daughter


Combined Barton Family

Later arrivals were:

Rita Amy Barton born 7 December 1909

Walter Austin Barton born 22 June 1912

Reginald Norman Barton (son of George Barton and Elizabeth Croker) – also adopted by the

Barton family when he was over 14 years of age.

Both his parents were deceased and he had been placed in care Goulburn Orphanage presumably by

his step-father Seymour Bell Gibbons. Like both parents Reggie was suffering from tuberculosis.


Joseph James & Harriet Barton - Financial Burdens

Joseph James Barton had purchased land in partnership with his two brothers George (deceased in

1904) and Walter (deceased in 1907) and this posed in itself a multitude of financial and legal

complications. The jointly owned properties had to pass through probate on at least two occasions

which must have been a great financial burden for Joseph James Barton.

It was not until 20 years later that Joseph Barton Jnr was

finally cleared of all legal liabilities and responsibilities relating

to his brothers' wills.

Joseph James and Harriet worked extremely hard to provide

for the large family.

Joseph would rise early in the morning and be out in the

paddock for the light of dawn to appear.

He couldn't wait for the kettle to boil for his morning cup of

tea, so he boiled water in a frypan, which was much quicker.

He took with him the crust top off a loaf of bread and placed it in a quart pot. There would also be

salt wrapped in newspaper and these were placed in his saddlebag together with the necessities for

making a billy of tea. Joseph rode a horse to work or walked depending how far away from the house

he was working.

Joseph arrived home well after dark, after working all day. Often the children would not see him for

weeks on end because he would be gone in the morning before the children had risen, and at night

they would be fast asleep when he returned.

Especially in the early days, there was no such thing as a weekend off from work.

Joseph and Harriet increased their own family by two with the birth of Rita Amy Barton and Walter

Austin Barton, thus bringing the combined family up to eleven children.

Soon after the birth of Walter Austin Barton, Joseph James Barton Jnr was to lose his father "Old

Joe" Barton when he died at "Redbank" of heart disease on 28 August 1912 aged 75 years.

In his will, Joseph Barton Senior was to hand over all of his property to his son Joseph Junior.


Reginald Norman Barton (nephew)

The fate of their nephew Reginald Norman Barton (son of George Francis

Barton and Elizabeth Croker) who was an inmate at Goulburn Orphanage

must have been uppermost in the thoughts of Harriet and Joseph and the

compassion for him led Joseph, in 1916, to make the journey to Goulburn to

seek "Reggie's" discharge and thus welcome him as the 12th member of the

extended Barton family.

Reggie’s father George Barton had died on 6 August 1904 of tuberculosis.

Reggie’s mother Elizabeth (nee Croker) was to then marry Seymour Bell

Gibbons at Frogmore on 24 May 1905. Elizabeth and Seymour Gibbons had 2

children before Elizabeth passed away of tuberculosis on 17 February 1909 at

Boorowa. Reggie, who was also suffering from tuberculosis, had apparently

ended up as a resident of the Goulburn Orphanage.

After the 14 year old Reggie was discharged from the Goulburn Orphanage, Joseph James Barton

had to take Reginald to a sanatorium at Waterfall near Springwood in the Blue Mountains for

treatment for tuberculosis. Little, however, could be achieved to improve his health at the

sanatorium.

Reggie's stay with the Bartons was only short lived as he passed away at "Little Plains" after a brief 2

1/2 year period as a member of his new family.

The ‘Burrowa News’ dated Friday 27 December 1918 relayed to district residents, the demise of young

Reggie.

The death occurred at Little Plains, on Friday last, the residence of Mr. Joseph Barton, of his

nephew Reginald Norman, aged 17½ years, from pthisis, after a lingering illness. Mr. Barton had

done everything possible for his late nephew in sending him to convalescent homes and obtaining the best medical advice, but the tide of the dreaded disease could not be stemmed, and yet another victim has fallen to the disease. The remains were brought to town on Saturday, and taken to the R. C. Church, where prayers were offered for the dead, the funeral afterwards leaving for the Burrowa Cemetery. The Rev. Fr. Bailey performed the last sad rites and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. J. Cummins.

Reggie's step-father Seymour Bell Gibbons made a claim to Joseph Barton regarding Reggie's money

held in trust from his father's will and so a payment of £879-2-11 was paid to Gibbons to clear any

liability to any further claims on his brother George's will.


"LITTLE PLAINS"

The farm at "Little Plains" was a very busy place. Over the years a number of workmen helped keep

the property functioning on an economic basis.

Workmen included Harriet’s brothers Jack Keefe, Henry Keefe and Walter Keefe, among others.

Jack Keefe Henry Keefe Walter Keefe

Ploughing was done with a single furrow plough pulled by draught horses. The seed for sowing was

broadcast by hand until much later when a seed drill was introduced to the property.

A hand driven threshing machine was later used to thresh the wheat and barley.

There was a limekiln on the property. The limestone had to be manually dug up and put into the kiln.

Much of the resultant product was sold as an income earner for the farm.

The property was virtually self-sufficient for timber. A timber jinker was made to cart logs to the saw

bench on the property. The saw bench was powered by a steam engine, one of the few pieces of

equipment not built by Grandfather Barton. Timber was cut for shed building and for a variety of

other farm uses.

Feeding the multitude of family members, workmen, visitors and friends meant that killing animals

was a regular chore at "Little Plains". Lots of pigs, 7 or 8, or maybe a dozen at a time were killed.

The meat was eaten as fresh pork, as pickled and smoked ham, and treated to make whole sides of

bacon, which was hung on the top rafters in the kitchen.

Bullocks were killed and served up as steak and corned briskets etc.

The turkey tended to be the main item on the Sunday menu.


Animals had to be looked after and fed. The draught horses had to be shoed and fed. Barley had to

be cut for the cows with a reaping hook. Cows had to be milked. Dogs, chooks and turkeys had to be

fed.

Shearing was done first using blade shears, before the later introduction of steam driven machinery.

Cornelius ‘Con’ Fogarty used to cart wool to Boorowa on his bullock wagon and then bring out

groceries and other farm items. Grandfather Barton built a bullock bale in order to shoe ‘Con’

Fogarty's bullocks.

Tom Percival also ran a wagonette and pair of horses from Rugby to Boorowa. Goods arrived from

Hancocks and Bushbys at Boorowa and also from George Moona who ran the store at Rugby.

The "old house" at "Little Plains" consisted of 2 main buildings:

1) main house and verandah

2) separate kitchen with 2 side rooms attached

Later, a third building was attached, the weatherboard house that had been shifted from "Spring Ck"

A trip to the toilet late at night or on a cold frosty morning was not welcome because it was quite a

long way from the main house in the corner of the large vegetable garden. The large garden,

surrounded by a roughly split timber fence, kept the family self-sufficient in vegetables.

Included were potatoes and turnips, while the pumpkin paddock was separate. The orchard had

apple trees as well as grapevines on trellises.

There were a number of outside buildings including the workmen's huts where a number of the

Barton boys were also camped. There was a sulky shed large enough to hold 6 sulkies, as well as a

blacksmith's shop, a bullock bale and a woolshed.

The house at "Little Plains" was always an open house where people were welcome. It was not

uncommon for up to 30 people sitting down at the table for the "Sunday turkey".

Regular visitors were members of the William ‘Bill’ Roberts family including Jack Roberts, as well as

the Carmody's and Dudley Evans.

Left to right:

Dudley Evans

Joe Lee

Joseph James ‘Grandfather’

Barton

Charlie Dorsett (brickmaker)

Being nursed:

Walter ‘Wal’ Barton


Passing travellers often joined the family and were known to stay up to a fortnight at a time.

Mr Fowler, an insurance traveller from Crookwell, would arrive with his horse and buggy and even

stay for up to three weeks. He really made himself at home, sitting back and spitting in the fire.

Dances were often

held of a Saturday night

in the hayshed /

woolshed.

The shed had a

magnificent timber floor,

the chaff on it making it

extra slippery.

The Carmody's taught

the Barton's how to

dance.

There was always

someone to play music

especially among the

Carmody's and Keefes.

Burrowa News – Friday 19 Feb 1937

Burrowa News – Friday 5 Sept, 1930


“Little Plains” was often the centre for various community social activities, such as for the combined

Bala and Phils Creek School Picnic.

Burrowa News – Friday 29 Oct, 1930

Burrowa News – 13 Oct, 1911

Rabbit plagues attracted locals to participate in rabbit drives

where thousands of rabbits were herded into netting enclosures

and the numbers culled by clubbing to death. It was a necessary

routine for the survival of the local farming community.

My mother Elsie, spoke about the Barton children on their way

home from Phils Creek School herding rabbits into the corners

of paddocks where they were clubbed with sticks.

Any local family suffering hardship of any kind eg. house burnt down etc, generally found their way

to "Little Plains" where they stayed until back on their feet.

The families of Denis and Bridget Burns as well as Patrick and Mary Ann Carroll were just two

families that were sheltered for an extended period at "Little Plains".

Joseph and Harriet Barton assisted innumerable people, but the assistance was carried out without

fuss and in a confidential manner. We will never know, and certainly Joseph and Harriet would not

want us to know, the full extent of their care and compassion for their fellow man. Publicity was

something never sought by Joseph and Harriet Barton.


Conditions were particularly tough for many families in the area and so stealing was a common and

regular occurrence.

Hams and bacon hanging from the rafters in the "Little Plains" kitchen regularly disappeared.

Joe Watson, a journalist who went to Sydney, wrote an interesting newspaper article relating to Joe

Barton's treatment of sheep stealers ---The Kelly family had police out looking for sheep stealers and

they successfully apprehended a local, caught in the act with sheep rounded up in the corner of one of

Joe Barton's paddocks.

A court case followed, although Joe Barton wasn't completely committed to such. Different people

put forward their evidence until it was Joe Barton's time to take the stand. "I always put killers in that

particular paddock for my neighbours."

"Case dismissed," replied the judge.

The purchase in 1918 of a T Model Ford by Joseph Barton sent a wave of excitement through the

children at "Little Plains" who eagerly lined up and waited for the first turn in what was going to be a

ride of a lifetime.

Joe Barton was never one for fancy cars. William Kelly, driving a new Packard car passed Joe in his

old car on the way to Boorowa.

They met a Page’s Office (Solicitors).

Said William Kelly, “What was that rattlin’ in your car, Barton?”

As quick as a flash Joe replied “The money in my pocket!” (as told by Jack Elkins).

Elsie Barton learnt to drive in an “A” Model Ford

(Barton family photo)

Purchasing a vehicle was a newsworthy item as below:

Burrowa News – 7 May, 1926


Barton Children – Education In Helen Lloyd’s Book Boorowa – “Over 160 years of White Settlement” there is

a splendid photo, taken in 1918 of Teacher Mr Patrick Cunningham and the

pupils of Phils Creek School.

The Barton children walked to school through the paddocks, a distance of several

miles.

Many of the children had a family connection of some sort eg Fogarty, Murphy,

Corkery, Penyu, Keefe!


Barton Children – Keefe Relatives

The Barton children had quite close contact with their grandparents John Keefe and Charlotte (nee

Gorham).

This photo is apparently a combination of the older Keefe children and the younger Barton children.

The identity of each child is not clear but maybe someday, part of the puzzle may be solved.


Drought and Bushfires Drought and bushfires were a constant threat.

Helen Lloyd in her book on Boorowa states: "The drought of 1939-45, in which the Murrumbidgee

River had stopped flowing for the first time in 70 years, brought with it the devastating bushfires of

January, 1944, along with serious water shortages. The fire at Rye Park swept through six properties

including "Little Plains". Two weeks later Boorowa suffered a giant fire that stopped five miles from the

ton, 100,000 acres were burnt out. The fire started on M Dowling's property "Milo", travelled to

"Windamere", "Templemore" "Narrallen" and "Kenyu". At one stage it was heading towards Boorowa

on a five mile front, burning through Tom Crawford's property "Windy Gully", as well as

"Gegullalong", "Doonside", "Allen Dale" and properties belonging to Cassidy and Cobles.

Townspeople, including soldiers on leave from the war, all fought the fire....."

“The Burrows News” dated Friday 14 January 1944

tells of the fire that savaged “Little Plains”.

RYE PARK

Bush fire Sweep Over Six Properties

On Saturday afternoon last an out-break of fire occurred on the estate of the late J. Barton, 'Little Plains,' and ran a distance of six miles in a southerly direction before being checked. It burnt through the properties of Est. J. Barton, J. Wales. Cyril Gorham, R. A. Edgerton, B. M. Gorham and A. E. Gorhams. Owing to vigilant supervision, no further outbreaks occurred on Sunday and a welcome fall of rain on Sunday night relieved the position immeasurably. A feature of the fire fighting appliances was the lorry and equipment, owned by Messrs. Mills and Leeder, of 'Taree,' Rye Park, consisting of one 400-gal. tank, centrifugal pump, 24 h.p. engine, which fills the tank in eight minutes, and keeps two fire hoses going at full strength for one hour. It also carries a small tank of about 40 gals of drinking water. The whole equipment proved highly satisfactory and worked without any stoppages during the fighting of the flames.


“The Burrows News” dated Friday 26 January 1906 tells of the fire that raged on the property of Joseph

Barton

D1SASTR0US BUSH FIRES.

An extensive bush fire raged between Burrowa and

Frogmore, on Friday, 19th Inst., devastating the lands

of Joseph Barton, John Wright, William Kelly, Alston Bros.,

and others. The extent of the damage it considerable.

Another article (source unknown) adds to the article.

Mention was also made of an earlier disastrous fire as follows: "Early in January, 1906, 20,000 acres

was burnt at "Cucumgilliga", along with 200 bags of wheat, crops, the woolshed, buggy and hayshed

with two tons of hay, two sulkies and harnesses were all destroyed. Two weeks later a disastrous fire

broke out between Boorowa and Frogmore, on Sunday night January the 19th, devastating the properties

of Joseph Barton, John Wright, William Kelly and Alstons. "Mylora" also suffered fires at this time....."

Fire was an ever present danger and in February 1949, the extremely valuable shearing shed at “Little

Plains” (now belonging to Harriet Barton) was totally razed to the ground.

Burrowa News – Friday 11 Feb, 1949

Goulburn Evening Post – Monday 14 Feb, 1949


Joseph Barton - Recreation

Joseph Barton's main form of recreation was that of fishing. He would go fishing to either Jugiong or

Burrinjuck and would stay away for up to 3 weeks at a time.

He would travel with Tom Percival in his wagonette, along with George Moona and often Tom's son

Reg Percival. Much later, a car was used for their fishing trips.

‘Little Plains’ - House

In 1927 the existing house at "Little Plains" was erected by Joe Herbert.

This was just one of the many changes that were to take place at "Little Plains" in the next few years.

Providing for the Barton Children

Through sheer hard work and astute management by both Joseph James and Harriet Barton, the

Barton family farm assets were increased to such an extent that each of the surviving children were to

eventually acquire their own farms.

The Barton children worked hard as did other relatives and farm labourers employed on the

properties.

As an example, at "Little Plains" and "Redbank" Joseph James and Harriet Barton grazed over 9000

sheep in 1923.

When each child was married, there was sufficient wealth accumulated to provide a sound farm

deposit for each member of the combined family of Joseph James and Harriet Barton.


Barton Family – Properties

Barton Child Spouse Property

Archibald Henry Barton Mary Corcoran “Kangaira” (25km from Boorowa on road to Yass)

Ethel Barton Arthur Gorham “Oak Hill” (Rugby Road, Boorowa)

Elsie Barton Harry Malone “Marengo Station”, Murringo

Gladys Barton Arthur Elkins “Little Hills”, Frogmore

Esther Barton ‘Jack’ Roberts “Gentle Destiny” Taylors Flat

Francis Joseph ‘Dick’ Barton Thelma Huleatt “Clovelly”, Frogmore

Joseph Francis ‘Toby’ Barton Mary Fahey / Margaret

Stanley “Redbank” Frogmore

Dulcie Matilda Barton Arnold Crawford “The Dairy” (unknown location)

Rita Amy Barton Joseph Crowe “Plainview”, Frogmore

Walter ‘Wal’ Barton Norah ‘Norrie’ Berry “Little Plains”, Frogmore

Barton Family Members Back row: Wal Barton, ‘Dick’ Barton, Ethel Gorham, ‘Toby’ Barton

Front Row: Rita Crowe, Gladys Elkins, ‘Grandma’ Barton, Elsie Malone


“Ingleside”

The property “Ingleside” was owned by the Barton

family and was situated near the other Barton

property at “Kangaira” which became Archibald

“Bill” and Mary Barton’s property.

My mother Elsie told me that she was initially the

bookkeeper for “Kangaira”.

Other members of the Barton family

also worked at “Ingleside”

Left to right:

Cecil McFeeter

‘June’ Barton

Elsie Barton

‘Tom’ Barton with rifle

Elsie Barton at “Ingleside”

When Elsie and Harry Malone were first married, they lived at

“Ingleside” before taking ownership of “Marengo Station” at Murringo.

“Berremangra” My mother often mentioned the Barton family owning property at ‘Berremangra’ which is between

Bookham and Jugiong.

The obituary in the “Yass Tribune” Monday 15 January 1945 makes mention of the property at Berremangra

OBITUARY - Mr. Phillip Chown The death occurred on Friday night last at the Grenfell District Hospital, after a lengthy illness, of

Mr. Phillip Chown, the age of 72 years. The deceased was a kind, generous hearted man, a splendid neighbour, ever ready to help

others in time of trouble. He was born at Lake George and in his early days he was employed at "Kenyu" Station. Later he was

employed by the late Mr. Jöseph Barton at "Little Hill" Station, Berremangra. From there he went to Kangiara,

where he was employed by Mr. A. Barton. Finally he was engaged on "Ingleside" Station by Mr. Thonias Dwyer, where he

remained until about four years

ago when his health began to fail and he went to Grenfell where he resided with his wife until the time

of his death. Much sympathy has been extended to the bereaved wife and 1 family.

Besides his wife he is survived by five sons, James (Merryville North), Malcolm (Forbes), Cecil (Laverstock), Cpl. Kenneth and

Colin (Sydney), and four daughters, Agnes (Sydney), Pearl (Grenfell),

Gladys (Mildura, Victoria), Alina (Bowning). One son, Leslie, predeceased him some eighteen months ago. There are also 21

grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother and one sister.

The funeral took place on Saturday to the Church of England portion of the Grenfell Cemetery, where the funeral service was

conducted by Rector Rowe.


Death of JOSEPH JAMES ‘grandfather’ BARTON

When Joseph James Barton died at "Little Plains" in 1939, his passing was reported in "The Burrowa

News" on Friday 30 June, 1939.

OBITUARY

MR JOSEPH BARTON

The death occurred on Tuesday, June 20th, of Mr Joseph Barton, of

Little Plains, Frogmore. Although Mr Barton had not been feeling

well for a few days, his sudden death from heart failure on the

above date was indeed a great shock to his wife and family and his

many friends. Mr Barton was the eldest son of the late Mr Joseph

Barton, and was born at Little Plains 67 years ago. Joe Barton, as

he was familiarly called, had lived practically all his life at Little

Plains and after the death of his father and early decease of his two

brothers, Walter and Frank, he manfully shouldered the

responsibility of his brother's children. Assisted by a loving and

capable wife, the record of his stewardship is well known to all

district residents. After making additions to Little Plains holdings

he bought in partnership with his late brother’s estate, Little Hills

near Jugiong, which property was later sold to Mr W Merriman.

The partnership then purchased Ingleside and Kangaira from

Messrs Best Bros, later selling Ingleside portion to Messrs W and T

Dwyer (now held by Mr T Dwyer), Mr Archie Barton, the son of the

deceased retaining the Kangaira portion. On the dissolution of the

partnership various properties were purchased for individual

members of his brothers' family and his own children.

Respected and admired by all who knew him, his life was spent looking after and endeavouring to

help others. Many of Mr Barton's good deeds we know of, but there are many known only to those

who received that help and encouragement.

Practical and a man of few words, his advice was often sought, and he will be sadly missed not only at

Little Plains, but by a large circle of friends and others less fortunate in a share of this world's goods.

The hospitality of the late Mr Barton and his wife (who was formerly Miss Harriet Keefe) was a by-

word. All were welcomed, no traveller was ever turned away from Little Plains.

Mr Barton was a keen fisherman, and in his younger days an enthusiastic follower of cricket.

We extend our sympathy to the widow and family and to those adopted members of his family, who

too had the privilege of calling a great-hearted man "father." It will be truthfully said of Joseph

Barton, "The god men do live after them." Besides the widow are the following sons, Messrs C A

Barton (Tom), T F Barton (Dick), Archie and Wally, and the daughters Mesdames A Elkins, Arnold

Crawford and Joseph Crowe. His brothers' children being Mr Toby Barton and Mesdames Arthur

Gorham, H Malone, and J S Roberts.

The remains were brought form Little Plains to St Patrick's Church, Boorowa, where the coffin

rested, covered with masses of beautiful flowers until Wednesday, when the funeral took place. As the

cortege (one of the largest seen here) moved to the Roman Catholic portion of the local cemetery, one

noticed that people from all walks of life were there, to pay their last respects to the wonderful man

who had been called to his Eternal rest.

The Rev. Father Sheehan, assisted by Fr McPhillips, officiated at the graveside and the funeral

arrangements were carried out by Patterson Bros. Pall-bearers were Messrs Archie, Dick, Wally

(sons) and Toby (nephew).


Following is a list of those who forwarded floral tributes:-

Loving Mum; Your Loving Family; Dool and Toby; George, Marie and family; W M Dwyer and

family; Mr and Mrs Jim Dwyer; J S Gorham and family; Mr and Mrs F Weaver; Mrs E Horton and

family; J S Gorham and family; Reg, Gertie and family; Mrs Buckmaster; Ruby and Athol; Mr and

Mrs W H C Wilkinson; All at Davisville; Ben, Hilda and Colin; Walter and Annie Smith and family;

Sid, Lizzie and family; Headley, Pearl and family; Mr and Mrs E White; Jim and Mary Croker and

family; Mr and Mrs F A Cummings and family; Mr and Mrs H M Boucher; J and K Quinn; Jim and

Eileen; Mr and Mrs F Dowd and Des; Mr and Mrs Dan Downes and Fergus; Mr and Mrs J Penning

and Olive; Uncle, Aunt Maud and Sid; Earle, Susie and family; Mr and Mrs J Besnard and family;

Mr and Mrs W Corkery and Ivy; All at Ivanhoe; James Roberts and family; All at Klondyke; Harry,

Doris and Boys; Mr and Mrs T J Crossley and family; Mr and Mrs P R Collins; Reg, Amy and

family; Reuben, Grace and family; Mr and Mrs Geo. Moona and family; All at Bolong;

The Gurney family; Eugene and Joe; Mrs E A Cullen and family; Ben and Kath; Dulcie and Doreen;

E M Good and family and J Malone; Jim, Maryanne and family; Jack and Mrs Berry and family;

Laura, Angie and Austin; Lena Cullen; Reg, Annie and family; J V M A Corkery and family; The

Staff, Pitt, Son and Badgery Ltd; Ben, Grace and family; Mr and Mrs G Weaver; Ida and Max;

Gladys, Jack and family; Kate and Bill (Grenfell); Miss J Gordon (Sydney); Sarah and family; Con

and Jack Pappas; Mr and Mrs S Cooper; Billy, Kitty and family; Mr and Mrs R Edgerton; Mrs Abe

Gorham; Greta, Dick and Jack Drumgold; Mrs J Cranston and family; Mrs Diggins; George and Eva

Gorham; Alec and Mrs Hearley; All at Sunnyridge; Bobbin & Coy; Bob and family; Mr and Mrs W J

Martin and family; The Country Producers' Selling Coy; A Cummings and family; Chris and Clive;

Mr and Mrs Joe Gurney and family; Lyd., Jim and Hiliary; Bertie, Marion and Max; Harold, Wife

and family; Mr and Mrs Joe Crowe and family; Mrs E Walters and family; Mrs E E Roberts,

Kathleen and Perce; Henry, Aggie and family; Mr and Mrs C Dockett and family; E M Burns

("Burrowa News"); Mr and Mrs A Bushby and family.

JOSEPH JAMES BARTON - WILL

In a will dated 25 June 1930, Joseph James Barton bequeathed his estate as follows:

All household furniture and effects to his wife Harriet.

1752 acres 16 perches to Harriet Barton for her life and on her death to Walter Austin Barton

Gunnary Portions; 184 (150 acres), 185 (450 acres)

Ware Portions; 100 (40 acres), 101 (40 acres), 208 (120 acres)

Bala Portions; 31, 32, 33, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 224, 225, 226, 272, 273, 277, 282.

1353 acres 3 roods to Rita Amy Crowe

Parish Gunnary

1321 acres 15 3/4 perches to Dulcie Matilda Crawford

Parish Bala

1612 acres 16 perches to Gladys Daisy Elkins

Parish Bala

1192 acres 1 rood 30 perches to Archibald Henry Barton (then owned by him)

Portion 7, 8, 9 Parish Eubindal County of Harden

Portion 1, 3 Parish Taunton County of King

Plant and stock on Archibald Henry's place was solely his. Other plant and livestock to be shared

equally among other family mentioned.

Funeral debts and testamentary expenses to be paid for by Archibald. Any debts secured on part of

his real estate liability of general estate.


JOSEPH JAMES BARTON - PROBATE The Probate notice for Joseph James Barton appeared in the NSW Government Gazette dated Friday 1

November 1940.

Sons, Archibald Henry ‘Bill’ Barton and Francis Joseph ‘Dick’ were named as executors to the estate.


Harriet Barton

Harriet ‘Grandma’ Barton outlived her husband Joseph James Barton by 32 years.

At some stage, Harriet Barton left ‘Little Plains” and moved to her house in Market Street, Boorowa,

where she lived until she died. Harriet died on her 90th birthday.

Her death was reported in "The Boorowa News" on Thursday 11th May, 1972.

OBITUARY

Mrs Harriet Barton The death occurred at the Boorowa District Hospital on March

19th last of Mrs Harriet Barton, of Market Street and formerly

of "Little Plains", Boorowa, at the age of 90 years.

A life-long resident of the district, the late Mrs Barton was a

well-known and deeply respected local citizen, loved by a wide

circle of friends and a large family of descendants.

Born at Boorowa in 1882, she was the daughter of John and

Charlotte Keefe, prominent members of a very old Boorowa

family.

When she married Joseph Barton of "Little Plains" at St

Patrick's Church, Boorowa, two prominent local families were

united.

Her husband pre-deceased her some 30 years ago.

The couple had seven children, four sons and three daughters,

and later undertook to rear three nieces and two nephews

making a family of twelve to which the late Mrs Barton was a

kind, thoughtful and loving mother.

In the later years of her life, residing at her home in Market

Street, she enjoyed the company of her multitude of friends and

relations, and tended her home and garden, maintaining her

active life right up to the time of her final illness.

The late Mrs Barton is survived by one son, Walter (Boorowa), and one daughter Rita (Mrs J. Crowe,

Boorowa), three brothers, Walter (Wodonga), William (Mortdale), and John (Cowra), and two sisters

Sarah (Mrs Reub Hazell, Boorowa) and Marie (Mrs George Atkins, Miranda) two nieces, Elsie (Mrs

Malone, Murringo) and Esther (Mrs J. Roberts, Cowra) and two nephews, Joe ("Toby") Barton

(Wallendbeen) and Reg Barton.

She is also survived by 49 grandchildren, 142 great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Three sons, Archie (Kangaira), Cecil ("Little Plains") and Francis (Young), two daughters Gladys

(Mrs A Elkins, Frogmore) and Dulcie (Mrs A Crawford, Boorowa) three brothers James, Henry and

Abraham, and three sisters, Charlotte (Mrs O'Malley, Boorowa) Elizabeth (Mrs Hardiman) and

Kathleen (Mrs W. Barton) and one niece Ethel (Mrs A Gorham), Boorowa, pre-deceased her.

The funeral took place at Boorowa on March 20th last, when Requiem Mass was celebrated at St

Patrick's Church, by Rev Fr J W. Morrison, after which internment took place in the Catholic

portion of the Boorowa cemetery.

Rev Fr Gleeson assisted with prayers at the graveside.

Pallbearers were Pat, Greg and Robert Barton, Jack Elkins, Tony Crowe and Justin Crawford, all

grandsons of the deceased.

Patterson Brothers of Young, had charge of the funeral arrangements.

joseph james barton (1871 - 1939)

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