JOHN J. BARTON, 97 Democrat was mayor of Indianapolis in '60s :- Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Former Indianapolis Mayor John J. Barton, who was defeated by Republican Richard Lugar in 1967 after serving one term, died Tuesday. He was 97.

Mr. Barton was the last Democrat to hold the office until Bart Peterson, Indianapolis' current mayor, was elected in 1999.

Mr. Barton was elected in 1963 and then lost in 1967 to Lugar, who served two terms before being elected to the U.S. Senate. After losing to Lugar, Mr. Barton served 21 years on the Indiana Parole Board.

Born in Indianapolis, Mr. Barton was the fifth of 14 children born to Irish immigrants. He served in the Navy during World War II and went on to serve as superintendent of the Indiana State Police before being elected mayor.

During his term as mayor, he started the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, a group of local leaders that helped start many revitalization projects over the years.

Mr. Barton's administration also laid the groundwork for the Indiana Convention Center and Eagle Creek Park and reservoir. Construction of the Indiana National Bank tower, one of the city's first skyscrapers, was started during his term.

JOHN J. BARTON, 97 Democrat was mayor of Indianapolis in '60s :- Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Former Indianapolis Mayor John J. Barton, who was defeated by Republican Richard Lugar in 1967 after serving one term, died Tuesday. He was 97.

Mr. Barton was the last Democrat to hold the office until Bart Peterson, Indianapolis' current mayor, was elected in 1999.

Mr. Barton was elected in 1963 and then lost in 1967 to Lugar, who served two terms before being elected to the U.S. Senate. After losing to Lugar, Mr. Barton served 21 years on the Indiana Parole Board.

Born in Indianapolis, Mr. Barton was the fifth of 14 children born to Irish immigrants. He served in the Navy during World War II and went on to serve as superintendent of the Indiana State Police before being elected mayor.

During his term as mayor, he started the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, a group of local leaders that helped start many revitalization projects over the years.

Mr. Barton's administration also laid the groundwork for the Indiana Convention Center and Eagle Creek Park and reservoir. Construction of the Indiana National Bank tower, one of the city's first skyscrapers, was started during his term.

Bio by: The Silent Forgotten