Representative Silas Reynolds Barton

Silas Reynolds Barton (May 21, 1872 – November 7, 1916) was an American politician and public official who served as a Republican Representative from Nebraska in the United States Congress from 1913 to 1915. He represented Nebraska’s 5th congressional district for one term in the House of Representatives, participating in the legislative process during a significant period in American history and representing the interests of his constituents.

Barton was born in New London, Henry County, Iowa, on May 21, 1872, the son of Eli B. Barton and Teressa (Nugen) Barton. In 1873, when he was still an infant, he moved with his parents to Hamilton County, Nebraska, where the family settled and engaged in farming. He was educated in the local public schools and graduated from Aurora High School in Aurora, Nebraska. He later attended Peru State College (then the Nebraska State Normal School at Peru), reflecting an early interest in education and public service.

Before entering statewide and national politics, Barton worked as both a farmer and a teacher in Nebraska, occupations that rooted him in the agricultural and educational life of his community. From 1898 until 1901 he served as deputy treasurer of Hamilton County, Nebraska, gaining experience in public finance and county administration. In 1901 he became the grand recorder of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, a prominent fraternal benefit society, and he held that position until 1908. During this period he also rose to national prominence within the organization, serving for two terms as president of the Grand Recorders’ Association of the United States.

Barton’s growing reputation as an able administrator led to his election as Nebraska State Auditor in 1908, and he assumed office in 1909. He served two terms as state auditor, remaining in that post until his election to Congress in 1913. In addition to his auditing responsibilities, he served concurrently as Nebraska’s insurance commissioner, overseeing the regulation of insurance companies in the state. He was also a member of the National Executive Committee of Insurance Commissioners, which brought together state officials from across the country to address regulatory and policy issues in the insurance field.

In his personal life, Barton married Adah Michell, and the couple had two children, both of whom died in infancy. After Adah Michell’s death in 1909, he married Ellen Tazwell Metcalfe, with whom he had one son. His family life unfolded alongside his rising public career, and his experiences in rural Nebraska and in state government informed his political outlook and legislative priorities.

Barton was elected as a Republican to the 63rd Congress and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1913, to March 3, 1915. As a member of the House during a transformative era in American politics, he contributed to the legislative process and participated in the democratic governance of the nation, representing Nebraska’s 5th congressional district. His single term in Congress coincided with major national debates over economic regulation, agriculture, and progressive-era reforms, during which he advocated for the interests of his Nebraska constituents.

After leaving Congress in 1915, Barton remained active in public affairs and the Republican Party. He sought to return to the House of Representatives and became a candidate for the 65th Congress. However, his career was cut short when he died before the election could take place. Silas Reynolds Barton died in Grand Island, Nebraska, on November 7, 1916, at the age of 44. He was interred at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska, closing a career that had spanned local, fraternal, state, and national service.