Catherine Barlow Burton
By Roberta D. Clayton, 2301 E. Willetta St., Phoenix, Arizona
Catherine, or Kate, as she was always called, was the daughter of James Madison and Electa de la Motte Barlow. Her parents came West from Kentucky, walking across the plains from the Missouri River to the Great Salt Lake as did thousands of emigrant members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When their shoes wore out these faithful pioneers wrapped their wounded bleeding feet in “gunny sacks”.
Kate was born May 9, 1861 in her father’s big home near the famous Beehive House, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kate says the house had to be large, because, instead of Father Barlow marrying his family off, he married them on, and they all lived under one roof unless they were otherwise provided for.
James M. Barlow was one of the first jewelers in Salt Lake City, and his work was of the highest order. He made the most intricate designs in long earrings, so popular in those early days, bracelets, rings, brooches, etc. Many expensive and much prized heirlooms in Utah’s First Families are his handiwork.
Many of the Saints who had come to Utah had been wealthy. Traveling as they did by ox teams or handcarts they could not bring much of their earthly possessions. Material things such as fine linens, china, books and furniture had to be left behind. Their jewels they could carry along, and they did. A call was made by the leaders of the Church for all the silver ornaments any one would like to give. In the days when Moses was busy on Mount Sinai a call went forth for all the jewels both silver and gold. With that was made an idol of a calf to be worshipped. These jewels were put to a more acceptable use. They were made by James M. Barlow into a Sacrament Service to be used in the Tabernacle. These consisted of shallow baskets for the bread, and cups for the water. These cups were about six inches high and had handles on opposite sides to facilitate the passing from one person to the next. These were used for many years, until a more sanitary method was discovered and each participant had an individual cup.
After the large silver cups were discarded they were distributed among the Barlow children. Kate had one which she proudly displays as the workmanship of her Father. He had his office and shop in the home and she used to like to slip in and watch him at work with the bright shining gold and silver and the precious stones he used in making up his expensive jewelry.
Kate was the fourth child in her Mother’s family of six children. Her schooling did not begin until she was seven years old as she had to go more than a mile to school.
Although her Father was a very busy man he took time to guide his children into paths they were to follow – those of truth, honor, virtue, honesty and dependability.
Kate was very quick and agile in her school days. The children used to play “Crack the whip” and though she was often the “popper” they could not pop her off. She could out jump and run faster than any of the girls and many of the boys. “No one ever caught me” she declared in telling the story of her life. “I did. I caught you” put in her husband who was an interested listener, and who supplied details which she might have overlooked, as from their early childhood they have lived side by side. Living on the same block in Salt Lake City when they were children.
Together they took part in the opera Pinafore, in McBeth, and several minor parts in the plays in the old Salt Lake Theatre.
Kate’s Father was a noted actor in those early days. His knowledge of the habits, customs and dialect of the Kentucky Negro made him invaluable in minstrel shows and other darkie interpretations.
Kate’s brother Joe was a player on the famous Red Stocking Baseball team of which Heber J. Grant, now the President of the Church, was general manager. These two boys were very good friends and made many trips and won many victories together. Because of his membership in the league Kate and her sisters always had passes to all the games.
For many years both before and after her marriage Kate sang in the Church choir. She was blessed with a very sweet soprano voice and sang for many years after she came to Mesa.
Gifts are fairly well distributed among the human race. One of the most useful bestowed upon Kate was that of designing and dressmaking. She took a course in drafting and cutting patterns. She could reproduce any style she saw pictured or on display, as well as making her own original designs. She is neatness personified. No one could make her wedding dress to suit her. Someone has said “If you want anything done well, do it yourself” that has always been her motto, so she made her own trousseau. Twenty-two yards of silk were required for the dress. It was green and gold changeable taffeta and was trimmed in engraved gold buttons. These she still has, also a piece of the silk. The dress has been gone a long time. It was beautiful with its pleated puffs and tucks, and fitted her perfectly.
The marriage ceremony was performed by Joseph F. Smith, afterward President of the L.D.S. Church. The date was October 26, 1882. A reception to which only the immediate families were invited was held in the evening at the bride’s home. A long table loaded down with good things to eat was there for the guests. The wedding presents were many and very expensive, as both families were will to do.
The first year of their married life was spent in the home of William’s parents.
In 1884 William decided to move to Arizona, so on September 15, of that year they started. By now trains were running as far as Maricopa Station and they came that way. They had friends living here who had written them of the opportunities in building and contracting here. These friends met them at the Station and brought them to Tempe where they remained for the first five months, moving from there to Mesa.
Kate spent some time living on a ranch. She was very timid and especially of Indians. She kept an eye out for them all the time. One day, however, when only she and her baby were on the ranch alone she looked around the corner of the house and there were two Indians with their long black hair hanging around their shoulders, and attired only in gee-strings. She knew they were Apaches. What should she do? The nearest neighbor was half a mile away. She had some grapes out drying. She gave the intruders some and told them to take as many as they wanted, but they only ate a few and went away.
Another time when she was on the ranch alone a young fellow came to the house, began making himself at home, and ordered her to fix him something to eat. She resented that, but went about as slowly as possible expecting her husband home at supper time. When he came he told Kate that the newcomer was a hand he had hired to work on the ranch. Kate had had enough of his impudence had told William that if that Smart Aleck stayed she would leave. It was the boy who went.
This kind of life was new and unusual to Kate and she did not like it. Her husband was away so much during the days, working at his building trade. She decided to go to her home in Salt Lake City, and never come back. She did not for eighteen months, and then only after William and her parents went and begged her to return.
Kate and her friend Emma Delay Ellsworth, had the first ice cream parlor in Mesa. That was about 1887. It was located in the Sam Cowen Building. The ice had to be shipped from Phoenix. W. B. Leunt was the first dealer there. They had their own cows, and had plenty of milk and cream. Baked their own cakes and gave a generous helping of cake and a big dish of ice cream for a quarter. They did very well and had lots of fun doing it, but competition came in and spoiled their business.
William established the first undertaking business in Mesa. She was a great help to him. Sometimes when he had to go out of town for a corpse Kate would go with him. One night he was called to the Mental Hospital. She decided to go along. He put the long basket in the hearse and they started out. The night was a dark one. As they road along she heard voices from the rear. She grabbed her husband and screamed with fright. It proved to be a couple of messengers riding along on their bikes holding to the back corners of the hearse. When they heard the blood curdling yell it was hard to tell who were the most frightened.
William had the reputation of being without fear, and he could not realize that others are not as brave.
Once when he and Kate were out in their car among the hills they saw three Mexicans a short distance away. As they came nearer he recognized the middle one as a criminal who had broken jail, while he was a peace officer. Without a minutes hesitation William stopped the car, told Kate to get in the back seat and ordered the Mexican into the seat beside him. Neither the Mexican or his companions made any resistance. Perhaps they knew too well the Marshall’s reputation. After the prisoner was in the car William handed his pistol back to Kate and told her not to be afraid to use it if the prisoner made a crooked move. There is no telling what she would have done, at least she says she doesn’t know but it worked and they delivered their prisoner again to Phoenix. Kate had many anxious moments while Bill was sheriff, because there were many reckless and desperate characters come to Mesa in those days.
There were happy times, too. Kate is an excellent dancer and claims the honor of teaching her husband how to dance, at least she was always ready to go with him. Many otherwise wallflowers owe her a debt of gratitude for being so generous with him.
Kate is the mother of twelve children. Only once has death come to her immediate family and that was when a Doctor administered the wrong medicine to her baby and killed him. She has never gotten over that. The others are all grown and married, the youngest one is past thirty-three years of age.
Kate has had several homes in Arizona, but whether is was an adobe ranch house or the beautiful one she lives in now, it has been immediately neat and clean. She detests disorder in any form, and has taught this virtue to her children along with many others.
Ever since her arrival in Mesa, Kate has been identified with the Church organizations also that of a social nature, and is an active member of an old timer club. She still likes to dance and enjoys the society of her friends.
Catherine, or Kate, as she was always called, was the daughter of James Madison and Electa de la Motte Barlow. Her parents came West from Kentucky, walking across the plains from the Missouri River to the Great Salt Lake as did thousands of emigrant members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When their shoes wore out these faithful pioneers wrapped their wounded bleeding feet in “gunny sacks”.
Kate was born May 9, 1861 in her father’s big home near the famous Beehive House, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kate says the house had to be large, because, instead of Father Barlow marrying his family off, he married them on, and they all lived under one roof unless they were otherwise provided for.
James M. Barlow was one of the first jewelers in Salt Lake City, and his work was of the highest order. He made the most intricate designs in long earrings, so popular in those early days, bracelets, rings, brooches, etc. Many expensive and much prized heirlooms in Utah’s First Families are his handiwork.
Many of the Saints who had come to Utah had been wealthy. Traveling as they did by ox teams or handcarts they could not bring much of their earthly possessions. Material things such as fine linens, china, books and furniture had to be left behind. Their jewels they could carry along, and they did. A call was made by the leaders of the Church for all the silver ornaments any one would like to give. In the days when Moses was busy on Mount Sinai a call went forth for all the jewels both silver and gold. With that was made an idol of a calf to be worshipped. These jewels were put to a more acceptable use. They were made by James M. Barlow into a Sacrament Service to be used in the Tabernacle. These consisted of shallow baskets for the bread, and cups for the water. These cups were about six inches high and had handles on opposite sides to facilitate the passing from one person to the next. These were used for many years, until a more sanitary method was discovered and each participant had an individual cup.
After the large silver cups were discarded they were distributed among the Barlow children. Kate had one which she proudly displays as the workmanship of her Father. He had his office and shop in the home and she used to like to slip in and watch him at work with the bright shining gold and silver and the precious stones he used in making up his expensive jewelry.
Kate was the fourth child in her Mother’s family of six children. Her schooling did not begin until she was seven years old as she had to go more than a mile to school.
Although her Father was a very busy man he took time to guide his children into paths they were to follow – those of truth, honor, virtue, honesty and dependability.
Kate was very quick and agile in her school days. The children used to play “Crack the whip” and though she was often the “popper” they could not pop her off. She could out jump and run faster than any of the girls and many of the boys. “No one ever caught me” she declared in telling the story of her life. “I did. I caught you” put in her husband who was an interested listener, and who supplied details which she might have overlooked, as from their early childhood they have lived side by side. Living on the same block in Salt Lake City when they were children.
Together they took part in the opera Pinafore, in McBeth, and several minor parts in the plays in the old Salt Lake Theatre.
Kate’s Father was a noted actor in those early days. His knowledge of the habits, customs and dialect of the Kentucky Negro made him invaluable in minstrel shows and other darkie interpretations.
Kate’s brother Joe was a player on the famous Red Stocking Baseball team of which Heber J. Grant, now the President of the Church, was general manager. These two boys were very good friends and made many trips and won many victories together. Because of his membership in the league Kate and her sisters always had passes to all the games.
For many years both before and after her marriage Kate sang in the Church choir. She was blessed with a very sweet soprano voice and sang for many years after she came to Mesa.
Gifts are fairly well distributed among the human race. One of the most useful bestowed upon Kate was that of designing and dressmaking. She took a course in drafting and cutting patterns. She could reproduce any style she saw pictured or on display, as well as making her own original designs. She is neatness personified. No one could make her wedding dress to suit her. Someone has said “If you want anything done well, do it yourself” that has always been her motto, so she made her own trousseau. Twenty-two yards of silk were required for the dress. It was green and gold changeable taffeta and was trimmed in engraved gold buttons. These she still has, also a piece of the silk. The dress has been gone a long time. It was beautiful with its pleated puffs and tucks, and fitted her perfectly.
The marriage ceremony was performed by Joseph F. Smith, afterward President of the L.D.S. Church. The date was October 26, 1882. A reception to which only the immediate families were invited was held in the evening at the bride’s home. A long table loaded down with good things to eat was there for the guests. The wedding presents were many and very expensive, as both families were will to do.
The first year of their married life was spent in the home of William’s parents.
In 1884 William decided to move to Arizona, so on September 15, of that year they started. By now trains were running as far as Maricopa Station and they came that way. They had friends living here who had written them of the opportunities in building and contracting here. These friends met them at the Station and brought them to Tempe where they remained for the first five months, moving from there to Mesa.
Kate spent some time living on a ranch. She was very timid and especially of Indians. She kept an eye out for them all the time. One day, however, when only she and her baby were on the ranch alone she looked around the corner of the house and there were two Indians with their long black hair hanging around their shoulders, and attired only in gee-strings. She knew they were Apaches. What should she do? The nearest neighbor was half a mile away. She had some grapes out drying. She gave the intruders some and told them to take as many as they wanted, but they only ate a few and went away.
Another time when she was on the ranch alone a young fellow came to the house, began making himself at home, and ordered her to fix him something to eat. She resented that, but went about as slowly as possible expecting her husband home at supper time. When he came he told Kate that the newcomer was a hand he had hired to work on the ranch. Kate had had enough of his impudence had told William that if that Smart Aleck stayed she would leave. It was the boy who went.
This kind of life was new and unusual to Kate and she did not like it. Her husband was away so much during the days, working at his building trade. She decided to go to her home in Salt Lake City, and never come back. She did not for eighteen months, and then only after William and her parents went and begged her to return.
Kate and her friend Emma Delay Ellsworth, had the first ice cream parlor in Mesa. That was about 1887. It was located in the Sam Cowen Building. The ice had to be shipped from Phoenix. W. B. Leunt was the first dealer there. They had their own cows, and had plenty of milk and cream. Baked their own cakes and gave a generous helping of cake and a big dish of ice cream for a quarter. They did very well and had lots of fun doing it, but competition came in and spoiled their business.
William established the first undertaking business in Mesa. She was a great help to him. Sometimes when he had to go out of town for a corpse Kate would go with him. One night he was called to the Mental Hospital. She decided to go along. He put the long basket in the hearse and they started out. The night was a dark one. As they road along she heard voices from the rear. She grabbed her husband and screamed with fright. It proved to be a couple of messengers riding along on their bikes holding to the back corners of the hearse. When they heard the blood curdling yell it was hard to tell who were the most frightened.
William had the reputation of being without fear, and he could not realize that others are not as brave.
Once when he and Kate were out in their car among the hills they saw three Mexicans a short distance away. As they came nearer he recognized the middle one as a criminal who had broken jail, while he was a peace officer. Without a minutes hesitation William stopped the car, told Kate to get in the back seat and ordered the Mexican into the seat beside him. Neither the Mexican or his companions made any resistance. Perhaps they knew too well the Marshall’s reputation. After the prisoner was in the car William handed his pistol back to Kate and told her not to be afraid to use it if the prisoner made a crooked move. There is no telling what she would have done, at least she says she doesn’t know but it worked and they delivered their prisoner again to Phoenix. Kate had many anxious moments while Bill was sheriff, because there were many reckless and desperate characters come to Mesa in those days.
There were happy times, too. Kate is an excellent dancer and claims the honor of teaching her husband how to dance, at least she was always ready to go with him. Many otherwise wallflowers owe her a debt of gratitude for being so generous with him.
Kate is the mother of twelve children. Only once has death come to her immediate family and that was when a Doctor administered the wrong medicine to her baby and killed him. She has never gotten over that. The others are all grown and married, the youngest one is past thirty-three years of age.
Kate has had several homes in Arizona, but whether is was an adobe ranch house or the beautiful one she lives in now, it has been immediately neat and clean. She detests disorder in any form, and has taught this virtue to her children along with many others.
Ever since her arrival in Mesa, Kate has been identified with the Church organizations also that of a social nature, and is an active member of an old timer club. She still likes to dance and enjoys the society of her friends.