Semi Weekly Irontonian of 27 Mar 1908

OLD SOLDIER DEAD: Richard E. Barron., one of the Union's bravest defenders during the war between the states surrendered for the first and last time in his life. Tuesday at midnight, Death, the foe to whom all must bow being the victor.
The death of "Uncle Dick" as he was lovingly known by most of Ironton's citizens, came as a great shock and surprise. While he has been in poor health for years owing to a wound he received in the army, his condition of late was not considered more dangerous than usual. He was down street twice Tuesday mingling with his friends who were always glad to have him among them. About 10 o'clock Tuesday night he became dangerously ill, and ere the hands of the clock had begun to measure the new day, he passed to his reward, the reward of a brave, honorable, upright man, one who was loved and respected by all, irrespective of party or creed, for he was a man who loved his country and his fellow man better than life, and granted every man the same rights he demanded for himself.
Mr. Barron was a veteran of the 2nd West Va. Cav. and also served in the 18th OVI While engaged in battle he led an advance which stormed a breastworks and he attempted to single handed climb the works, was shot in the head and he never recovered from the effects of the wound.
The deceased was 65 years of age and had lived in Ironton more than 50 years, during which time he led a life which won for him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
He was early in life employed in the mills, and later (sic), in life conducted a grocery store at 5th and Monroe streets.
The deceased leaves besides his wife, who was a Miss Carroll, of this city, three sons and one daughter: John, Louis, Richard, (sic) and Miss Mayme, all of this city. His brother Thomas who served in the same company and regiment with him in the war, but recently answered the farewell "taps".