From the Winston New Era, 1/7/1910
Submitted by Robin Sterling
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Hon. W.M. Barton Dead. Editor New Era: Kindly give space in your column to chronicle the sadness that the claims of the death angel gave to our humble little town of Lynn, by demanding the spirit of our esteemed brother and friend, W.M. Barton, who departed this life on the memorable Christmas day. While we were loath to consent to the claims, yet in humble submission we bow and pay obedience to the demand, knowing that it was the will of Him that doeth all things well.

Here we cannot refrain from giving a short and brief biographical sketch of our deceased brother.

First, he was reared in Winston County, enjoying for more than 53 summers the balmy breezes of the lofty hilltops that overlook the dells beneath, during which time he and Martha Lambert were happily united in the bonds of matrimony, in which the solemn obligation was kept spotless. But, alas, the matrimonial bonds were broken by the same high authority that united those two in one.

In March 1888, Bro. W.M. Barton was initiated into the Clear Creek Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He was passed in April of the same year and raised to the sublime degree of a M.M. in May, 1888 since which time he has been a consistent member and has served as W.M., for several years during this period of time. He leaves sister Barton a widow and eight children—6 boys and 2 girls—to mourn their loss, and a countless number of friends who fell too sad and heart-stricken to even attempt to express.

Next, we find our dear Bro. in the Legislative halls of our beloved State, which carries honors to old Winston and laurels upon his brow for his manly career while attempting to serve his people.

Last but not least, he was a generous, big-hearted gentleman.

The saddest scene took place on the 27th inst., by his Lodge No. 340, A.F. & A.M., when they conferred the Masonic rites of burial, which was participated in by brethren from Haleyville, Natural Bridge, Nauvoo and Upshaw, besides quite a host of relatives and bosom friends, and the sympathetic tear spoke out the grief and solemnity of the occasion.

In conclusion will assume the authority to say that the family of the deceased tender their heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors for kindness and sympathy during their sore distress. The sympathetic tear is but mild for our grief. His Friend, A.R. Lackey.

[William M. Barton, 17 Aug 1856 – 25 Dec 1909, Lynn Cemetery]