This biography was taken from "Biographies"

(See https://biblestudentarchives.com/documents/Biographies.pdf)

Brother Benjamin H. Barton grew up in Pennsylvania and became an accomplished architect, but when he heard the truth, he began to be in touch with the great Architect of the Universe. He dropped pencil and eraser and went forth to give his life in telling others the wonderful plan of God founded on the sacrificial death of Jesus, telling how God was building a great spiritual temple through which He would bless all the families of the earth. He never again returned to his natural skills or temporal trade.

Brother Russell quickly noted his deep sense of consecra- tion. Brother Barton was sent on a pilgrim visit to Great Britain in 1906. It was from there that we have some of his first transcribed discourses. Upon his return he continued his pilgrim travels and services for another ten years until 1916. He visited many classes and isolated brethren throughout the States and Canada. These provided the basis for many anecdotes and observations of Christian principles at home, in the church and the world. These became the themes for a broad range of lessons with personal and practical council. Brother Barton did not hesitate to gently reprove others or draw on his own experiences in order to help individuals or ecclesias to understand higher principles.
For most of his ministry, Brother Barton was nearly blind and could only read large print when held very close to his face. But his blindness only served to increase his spiritual eyesight. Consider some of the titles of his lessons:

Why Has God Given us a Bible so Hard to Understand? Eighty-four Reasons Why We Believe We Have the Truth God’s Covenants
The Marks of Jesus

The Highest Motive
Playing Kingdom
How We Can Successfully Perform the Part of a Brother

(and many more)
During a west-coast trip in 1916 Brother Barton fell very ill. He did not know how serious his condition was and he continued his services. While in Portland, Oregon, in the home of Brother W. A. Baker, he had to cancel further appointments. He spoke of his love of the brethren at the Bethel in Brooklyn. He also expressed his care for his mother and his desire to see her again. He could not articulate well due to a stroke experienced four weeks before. As death approached, the cares of his illness seemed to vanish and his features relaxed. With a smile on his lips he passed into the kingdom on June 24, 1916.

Brother Russell gave his funeral discourse. Here is part of his loving eulogy to this dear brother found on Reprint page 5930:

“The Editor has most kindly remembrances of dear Brother Barton, not only as a faithful servant of the Lord, of the truth, of the brethren, but also as a personal friend. The knowledge of the truth, heart-abounding grace, the spirit of a sound mind, all contributed to the development in Brother Barton of a very noble character, highly esteemed amongst the friends in general and especially amongst those who knew him best. We will miss him greatly; nevertheless we also greatly rejoice on his behalf believing that he has passed beyond the veil, has experienced his resurrection change, and with the others of the faithful will henceforth be forever with the Lord. ‘Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.’—Revelation 14:13.”

Only four months later Brother Russell himself would also join Brother Barton in this blessed “rest.”

Click on Photo to Enlarge

PILGRIM BARTON GONE HOME

BROTHER BENJAMIN H. BARTON has been on the Pilgrim staff of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY for quite a good many years, and is widely and very favorably remembered by our readers. Although always apparently frail, Brother Barton had a strong voice, and by the Lord's grace was able to do very efficient service up to about June 1st. We then heard from him that he had not been very well and was obliged to cancel future appointments in Oregon. He was kindly entertained by the friends, and everything possible for his comfort was attended to, but he continued to grow weak and, without special pain or suffering of any kind, so far as we have learned, passed away on Saturday, June 24th. His remains were shipped to the residence of his parents in Philadelphia, where they were interred Monday, July 3d.

The Editor has most kindly remembrances of dear Brother Barton, not only as a faithful servant of the Lord, of the Truth, of the brethren, but also as a personal friend. The knowledge of the Truth, heart-abounding grace, the spirit of a sound mind, all contributed to the development in Brother Barton of a very noble character, highly esteemed amongst the friends in general, and especially amongst those who knew him best. We will miss him greatly; nevertheless we also greatly rejoice on his behalf, believing that he has passed beyond the veil, has experienced his resurrection change, and with the others of the faithful will henceforth be forever with the Lord. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." --Revelation 14:13.

As one by one the number beyond the veil increases and the members this side correspondingly decrease, the great privilege of being servants of God and being found faithful as such looms larger and larger before our mental vision. We know not which of us will next be called to enter into the joys of our Lord in full, but we trust that all of the truly consecrated are in the waiting attitude, expecting, hoping, longing for the resurrection change, which the Apostle assures us is necessary, because "flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom," shortly to be established.--1 Cor. 15:50.

It is remarkable that as we near the consummation of this Age, and the completion of the Church, the opportunities for serving the Household of Faith seem to increase. And while old, active servants are passing beyond, new, loyal, zealous successors are being found by the Truth. Thus the work on this side the veil is going grandly on.

Well did the Apostle write that the Lord's true people, enlightened, encouraged and fortified by the promises in the Divine Word, "sorrow not as do others" in the presence of the great foe--DEATH.

(This is taken from Zions Watch Tower, R5930: page 223)

Click on Photos to Enlarge

Photos taken from Find a Grave

(See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80212159/benjamin-h_-barton)