Barton has opened a lending library at his father's hairdressing saloon in Mayne Street, Gulgong. It is called the Advance Gulgong Library.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Jun 1936 Page 18
1938 - FOUND DEAD - On Gulgong Golf Links - Hairdresser's Tragic End
MR Percy Barton, aged 53, hairdresser, of Gulgong, was found dead on the Gulgong golf links about 7 a.m. on Friday last. A bottle believed to have contained poison was found about 14 yards away. The discovery was made by Mr George Holt, who was on one of his early morning walks. The deceased was fully clothed, with hat pulled hard down on his head, the body being stretched face upwards. Mr Holt, not recognising Mr Barton's features, immediately left for the police station but, on the way, met Sergeant C. E. Tickner, who was one of a number who had begun a very early morning search for Mr Barton.
The body was taken to the local Government medical officer, Dr. R. M. Allport, and then to the morgue of the Gulgong district hospital.
On the previous evening Mrs Barton, daughter, Joan, and a number of residents had searched for hours for deceased, who had been lost since about 8.5 p.m. He was to have attended a meeting of the Gulgong Turf Club, of which he was secretary, at the town hall at eight o'clock, and walked past the meeting place at 8.50 p.m. without answering Mr R. Baldwin, who, in the company of Mr J. Nicholas (both of whom were waiting for the meeting to commence) bade him the time of the night. Just before nine o'clock two committeemen called at his residence, where Mrs Barton and family were surprised to learn of his absence.
A search was soon begun, and it went on until well after midnight. About 11.30 p.m. the fire signal was sounded as a means of augmenting the search party. Some of the searchers had walked to within 100 yards of where the body was discovered next morning.
The late Mr Barton, who is a Mudgee native, had resided in Gulgong for many years. He was first in business as a hairdresser in Herbert street, then in Mayne street in premises at present occupied by Miss L. Robb, ladies' hairdresser.
Mr L. Tos. Miller, of Gulgong, served part of his apprenticeship with the deceased.
Disposing of the business, Mr Barton left for Mudgee and later took over the licence of the now delicensed hotel at Cullenbone.
He returned to Gulgong to become the proprietor of a hairdressing business again and for some years, up to Thursday evening last, had occupied premises in Mayne street owned by Mr A. Agapitos. He had a steady business and was assisted by Mr Max Christian. His passing came as a shock to many of his regular patrons and the public at large.
Deceased had not been in good health for some time past, and it is believed that during the few days prior to his death he was worried over matters connected with his duties as secretary of the Turf Club.
He had been a public-spirited citizen, having held office for various periods in quite a number of public and sporting organisations, including St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the Parents and Citizens' Association and the Gulgong Municipal Council. He was a keen sporting man, being particularly interested in racing and football. He had a quiet nature, and was held in high esteem by all sections of the community. He was particularly devoted to his home and family.
The funeral moved from St. Andrew's Church at 2.30 o'clock on Saturday for the Mudgee cemetery after the service had been conducted by the Rev. W. L. I. Arnold.
Deceased is survived by a widow, and the following family, viz., Kenneth (who returned from Sydney on Sunday morning), Joan and Don. Our sympathy is extended to the bereaved. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr J. C. Swords, of Mudgee.
