Priscilla Barton

Written by Priscilla (Gingrich) on May 10, 1960

Priscilla was born on a farm in Waldo Township known as the Harvey Farm; a few miles N.E. of Gridley, IL. From her written memories, “We lived there until January 1885 when our family moved to Walnut, Kansas. We were there until March when our family moved back to Streator, IL. We then moved to an old farm house known as the McKee Farm near Antioch School and we lived there until January 1888. I attended my first school there at Antioch.

My father bought a farm of 290 acres from a man in Kentucky named Polluck Barber, and we moved to this farm in January 1888. The farm was mostly timber and he paid $25.00 per acre for it. Sister Susie was born there October 26, 1888.

Here I attended the Old Rooks Creek School on the hill by the bridge. Later a new school house was built about ½ mile south and it was known as the Lily School. I attended school there the rest of my school days. I received my diploma on June 20, 1986. I continued going to school in the winter until I received my Teachers Certificate in February 1899. I taught at the Columbia School beginning in March 1899 and taught for 3 months at $30.00 per month. I continued teaching there in the fall and winter of 1899-1900. I taught at the Eisel School west of Graymont in 1900-1901. Stayed home to help with the work in the fall of 1901, then taught the Lily School in the winter and spring of 1902.

Married Lee Roy Barton on December 31, 1902. Moved to the Piper Farm across the road (W) from the Columbia School. While living here Edith was born August 9, 1906. Also John Riblet came to live with us. In 1909 we moved and purchased the Gregory farm near Nigh Chapel Church. The only building that was at all usable was the house, and that wasn’t much. Se we built a barn, crib, hog house, and chicken house.

In 1920 we built a dwelling house. Sold the farm in 1931 and moved to the Gingrich farm in the spring of 1932 and bought the Gamblin farm in 1940 and moved there in March 1941.

Celebrated our 50th (Golden) wedding anniversary (Dec. 31, 1952) on New Year’s Day January 1, 1953 with an open house at our home. Roy passed away January 24, 1955. After which I left the farm and went to town. contributor Etched in Stone