Meet the Author - Barbara Barton

Remember all those wild stories you’ve heard about “pistol packin’ preachers?” Turns out those stories are true! Barbara Barton, author of Pistol Packin’ Preachers, will speak on Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 PM, at the Community Center, sponsored by the Friends of the Cross Plains Library.

Barton has written several books on the history of central and southwest Texas including Ruckus Along the Rivers; Head ‘em Up, Move ‘em Out; Saber, Shield & Spurs, and Den of Outlaws. Barton’s latest book, Pistol Packin’ Preachers, is certain to appeal to many for it tells the stories of some of the early-day circuit riders, who (as Elmer Kelton said in his Foreword to the book), “”Often…carried a pistol in their saddlebags along with the scriptures, for they might face Indians or outlaws in addition to the sometimes-hostile elements… Occasionally the pistol lay on the pulpit along with the Bible to guarantee that a resistant flock listened to the message.” These brave men traveled rough for many years, and sometimes literally died in the saddle, to serve the spiritual needs of the Texas settlers. They were also frequently called upon to help with medical problems, and many of them studied the healing arts (as they then existed) and became competent doctors.

In other words, all those exciting tales you’ve heard about “pistol packin’ preachers” are true, and Barbara Barton tells their stories in a lively and well-researched narrative. Writing of the Reverend Andrew Jackson Potter who served in the 27^th Texas Cavalry during the War between the States, she relates: “Many a time Potter admonished the troops before a battle to ask the Lord for forgiveness and turn from their sins. Then his thoughts would turn to the harm that might befall some soldiers, and he prayed for the troopers that their lives might be spared…. But when the commander of the troops sounded the call to attack, Potter put down his Bible, grabbed his gun and fought side by side with the soldiers.”

Barton taught math and science at the high school and college level until her retirement about twelve years ago. At about the same time, her husband Lewis, also a science teacher, decided to leave the classroom and spend more time ranching. Since then Barton has had many articles on Texas history and rural life appear in publications such as Texas Highways and Ranch and Rural Living. She and her husband live in Knickerbocker, Texas, about fifteen miles southwest of San Angelo, and they also own a place east of Rising Star, Texas. When not writing or ranching, they enjoy spending time with their two children and three grandchildren.

We hope you’ll join the Friends of the Cross Plains Library for another lively and entertaining Meet the Author evening on Tuesday, February 21. There’s no charge to attend, though donations are always gratefully accepted, and light refreshments will be served after Barbara Barton speaks. Her books will be available for purchase and signing, and she’ll be happy to visit and answer questions.