Richard W. Barton

Richard Walker Barton (* 1800 in Winchester, Virginia; † March 15, 1859 ) was an American politician. Between 1841 and 1843 he represented the state of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Career

Richard Barton enjoyed a good basic education. After a subsequent study of law and qualifying as a lawyer, he began in Winchester to work in this profession. At the same time he embarked on a political career. Between 1823 and 1839 he was several times in the House of Representatives from Virginia. He was a member of the founded in the 1830s Whig party. In the congressional elections of 1840 Barton in the 15th electoral district of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC was chosen, where he became the successor of William Lucas on March 4, 1841. Since he has not been confirmed in 1842, he was able to complete only one term in Congress until March 3, 1843. This period was characterized by the tensions between President John Tyler and the Whigs. It was also at that time already been discussed about a possible annexation of the independent Republic of Texas since 1836 by Mexico.

After the end of his time in the U.S. House of Representatives Richard Barton again practiced as a lawyer in Winchester. He died on March 15, 1859 at his estate near Springdale Winchester, where he was also buried.