From The Settlement of Prince Edward County by Nick and Helma Mika. Transcribed here by Linda Herman

Pioneers of Prince Edward County 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

SAMUEL H. BARTON

Public servant for thirty years.

Samuel H. Barton was one of Upper Canada's early pioneers. His father was Phineas Barton, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hersey; she came from Schenectady, New York. Samuel married Margaret, the daughter of John P. and Nancy Meyers Burdett. Her ancestors were Huguenots. His great-grandfather went to England, where he received a knighthood and became Sir Francis.

Samuel and his wife had three children, all born in New York State. His brother-in-law, Guillaume Demorest, persuaded him to come to Canada. He went first to Kingston, and from there to Conger' Mill near Picton. For a while he worked as a hatter in Demorestville, until he was offered the position of Clerk of the Court. He also served as Clerk of the Council, assessor and collector for the township, and road surveyor and roadmaster. He held these positions for thirty years, and when he died after a long and full life, his son Ira B. took over the positions held by his father.

Ira proved to be an exceptionally astute businessman. His talents were many and varied, for he also became one of the finest of the early Canadian artists.

Ira's brother Thomas lived at Demorestville, and he too was an exceptionally fine artist as well as musician. He painted a fresco in the Demorestville Church and was noted for his portraits, considered to be expertly executed.