Barton was a cross made in the orchard of John Barton, Sr., in Utley, Texas, by L.D. Romberg in 1937, and Romberg released it in 1953. Barton is the first pecan cultivar released by the USDA. Barton is used in breeding. In Georgia trials, it averages 68 nuts per pound and averages 50% kernel. It produces a large nut, but the biggest boon is that Barton is highly resistant to scab. Barton bears alternately, and in the "on" years the quality is horrible. The kernels often are unsalvageable. Even in years when it bears light, the quality is seldom good. The consensus is that even shaking would not help because of the poor quality of the nuts. Because of all this, Baton is not recommended for any use, either in the home yard or in commercial orchards.
Barton is however being utilized in breeding programs due to its robust nature, extreme resistance to scab, and early maturity. It is these qualities that will, ideally, be passed on to its offspring.

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