Barton Family

Barton Family. . Joseph Franklin and Harriet Ann Richards Barton made the difficult journey to Bluff via the Hole-in-the-Rock with baby daughters, ages one and three., Harriet Ann Richards Barton was a loving and dedicated mother and companion. She was recognized for the unusual quality of her soprano voice. Prior to coming to Bluff, she was a member of one of the most prestigious choirs in Utah., In 1886, seventeen days after giving birth to their eighth child, Harried died. The child died nine days later. Her oldest daughter, Harriet Elizabeth, (then 16 years old) wrote, "How thankful I am that the Lord permitted me to have such a good Ma. ...I hope and pray that we may all prove faithful and live lives she would have us [live]....", Joseph was a man of precision and quality in everything he did. He was a farmer, freight hauler, and cattleman. He served as the superintendent of the Bluff Co-op, secretary treasurer of the Bluff Cattle Pool, postmaster, probate judge, and as a county commissioner. Joseph was willing to help anyone, including relieving one of a toothache. His son Morgan recorded, "From the beginning, he was the official tooth extractor; and while this service was not guaranteed to be painless, it was without charge.", Two years following Harriet's death, Barton was called on a two-year church mission to the southern states. In 1902 the family moved to Verdure, 40 miles north of Bluff, where they built a home and established a ranch. In 1907 he married Jennie Johnson who became a beloved member of the family., Wesley F. Barton recalled his grandfather's advice, "Young man, when you walk, walk as though you are going someplace, even if you are only going to the out-house.", The Barton cabin, with its dirt-thatched roof, is the only original San Juan pioneer cabin remaining.