After his PL career, he formed a Western Association team in Peoria, Illinois, and served as Republican Central Committee chairman in the city.

In 1888, Bartson played for the Buffalo Bisons of the International Association for Professional Base Ball Players and the Peoria Canaries of the Central Interstate League.

[2] In 1889, he struck out 12 Chicago White Stockings players of the National League (NL) in an exhibition game.

[3] Bartson made his PL debut for the Pirates on May 14, 1890, in a game against the Buffalo Bisons that Chicago won 4–1.

[3] He finished the year with 20 games started, an ERA of 4.11, and a 9–10 win–loss record, while having a batting average of .167 with 13 hits over 90 plate appearances.