Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Robert E. Barton, 1923
11 Aug 2007
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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BARTON, ROBERT E.
(Undated 1923 Newspaper article):
DURHAM MAN KILLED.  Word reached here Tuesday that Robert Barton of
Durham, north of Cheyenne, was killed at his home Monday by Grat Kennedy,
a neighbor boy.  It seems that Barton had resented young Kennedy's
attentions to  his daughter, and on this day and had compelled the
daughter to get out of the car; as she was leaving with Kennedy and return
to the house.  This angered Kennedy who jumped from the car ready to fight
and was struck by Barton.  Kennedy drew his knife and slashed the older
man across the throat.  He took only a few steps and fell dead.  Young
Kennedy was taken to jail at Cheyenne.
(20 Mar 1924, Elk City News Democrat, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
GETS TWO YEARS.  Gratton Kennedy who was on trail last week for the
killing of Robert Barton a well to do stock farmer of Wilcox Township was
found guilty by a jury of twelve farmers last Tuesday.  The evidence  in
this case was submitted to the jury last Saturday.  The verdict was that
of guilty, fixing the punishment at two years in the reformatory at
Granite, with a recommendation that he be paroled.  Sentence was passed
Wednesday afternoon by Judge Edwards but no parole was granted as the law
does not allow a parole in a case of murder.
Notice of appeal was given but is reported that after consideration, he
has decided to serve his sentence.  There was but very little difference
in the testimony of the state witnesses and that of the defense.
(Research:  WWI Draft Registration Cards: 1917-1918: Robert E. Barton,
born 6 January 1879, registered Durham, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma 12
Sep 1918.
Census, 1920, Oklahoma, Roger Mills County, Wilcox Twp, ED 164, pg 1A,
#9/9 (T625-1476):
Robert E. Barton, age 40, b Tx; f/m b Al; farmer;
Ella Barton, age 37, b Ar; fb Il; mb Ar;
Floyd H. Barton, age 17, b Tx;
Willie Barton, daughter, age 14, b Ok;
Ruby Barton, daughter, age 12, b Ok;
Fred Barton, son, age 10, b Ok;
Vilma Barton, daughter, age 8, b Ok;
Milburn Barton, son, age 5, b Ok.