James L. Barton

James Levi Barton (1855–1936) was an American Protestant missionary and educator who devoted his life to establishing and administering schools and colleges in the Near East, and overseeing Near East relief efforts before and after World War I.

[1] He was fluent in Armenian,[2] a prolific writer with numerous books to his name, and the recipient of multiple honorary degrees.

[4][5] With conviction that foreign missions could bring great good to peoples abroad, he applied to serve overseas and sailed to the Near East with his bride.

Before he retired in 1927, he left as part of his legacy the acquisition of permanent funds for the support of 21 international, interdenominational institutions of higher learning, including two medical schools.

Barton passed away nine years before his wife-- he died at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, July 21, 1936.