Obituaries Australia

Roger Barton, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 July 1957

Mr. Roger Furnivall Darvall Barton, who died at Toowoomba, Q., on 17th June at the age of 82, was for many years well-known and highly respected in grazing circles throughout the west and central west of both New South Wales and Queensland. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Darvall Barton, pioneer pastoralists who at various times owned some well-known properties, including Burren, in New South Wales, and Headingly, in Queensland.

The Barton family lived at Essom House, Bathurst, N.S.W., which is now All Saints College, and Roger Barton was educated there and at St. Paul's College. He gained his early pastoral experience under the guidance of the late Mr. George White, and subsequently took over the management of various large properties, including Minnie Downs, Albilbah, and others in Queensland. When his employer and friend, Mr. Stirton, died Roger Barton acquired his own property in Queensland where, together with other good quality stock, he bred some horses which he raced with considerable success in the northern State. He was a splendid horseman and was selected as one of the group of Light Horsemen who represented Australia at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

In his younger days Mr. Barton was an outstanding athlete. He represented Australia in international football, playing against the English team that was led by the Reverend Molyneux, and also rowed for St. Paul's College in his only year there. However, an injury to his hand prevented him from being accepted for active service in World War I.

When the late Mr. Barton had a rather serious illness a few years ago he returned to the family home in New South Wales. His wife predeceased him and he left no children.