Obituaries Australia

Mr. Henry Francis Barton, Master in Equity and Lunacy, died at his residence, "Nyrangie," Gladesville, Parramatta River, on Saturday night. He contracted a chill on Sunday week, but attended his office on the following day, during which he developed a severe cold and sore throat. On returning to his home, Dr. Lloyd, of Hunter's Hill, was called in, and subsequently Dr. Chisholm was summoned as second medical attendant. The illness developed into severe pneumonia, and heart failure following, death took place as above stated. Mr. Barton was born on November 5, 1853, his father being Mr. Robert Johnston Barton, grazier, of Boree, near Molong, and his mother (who still lives) a daughter of the late General Darvall, and sister of Sir John Bayley Darvall, who was at one time a prominent figure in legal and political circles. He was educated at the Sydney Grammar School and Sydney University, and in both his school and university career he showed himself possessed of abilities above the ordinary. After leaving the University he studied for the Bar in the chambers of Mr. William Owen (now Mr. Justice Owen), and in 1884, on the retirement of Mr. A. T. Holroyd, he was offered, and accepted, the position of Master in Equity, which he had continued to hold ever since. The late Master commanded the respect and liking of the whole of the legal profession and of the public with whom he came in contact, for he brought to his duties a conscientious desire to see that every small detail was accurately carried out. Owing to the strain of work his health broke down about four years ago, and he was compelled to take a holiday. On resuming duty he seemed to have recovered, but his strength was sapped, and, when attacked by illness, his constitution was too weak to fight against it. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of the late Hon. J. D. Macansh, of Canning Downs, and his second (who survives him) a daughter of Mr. Walter Windeyer.