Archivist's Notes
Thomas Barton was born in Allonby Cumbria in 1818. At twenty-one years of age, on January 22 1839, Thomas Barton married Ruth Elizabeth Twentyman at All Saints Church, in Cockermouth Cumbria.
Thomas was a bell hanger and whitesmith.
He died April 20 1861 at the age of 43.
SHAP. FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY.
Thomas Barton, a native of Cockermouth, but who has for many years been in the employ of Mr. Nesfield Robinson, of Penrith, as bell hanger, met with his death at the Shap Station, under the following circumstances: He was intending to take the train for Penrith. A train was waiting at the station; a luggage train was also approaching on the opposite line of rails; the luggage train had given the usual signals by whistling and was proceeding at a rapid rate. Barton, unconscious of the near approach of the luggage train, passed the end of the train that was standing, with the intention of crossing to the opposite side of the line. When he stepped upon the line on which the luggage train was running, the train was close upon himm. He was caught instantly; his legs were taken off, and also a portion of his head. He breathed about five minutes and then expired. Deceased bore an excellent character, and has left a wife and 3 or 4 children. Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser, Tuesday 30 April 1861
Thomas and Ruth had four children
John William Barton (1840-1905)
Thomas Barton (1842-1899) On May 16 1864 at Ireby Church, Thomas married Elizabeth Monkhouse who was born in Gilcrux.
Mary Barton (1848-1916)
Sarah Jane Barton (1851-1890)