[1] A native of Blackburn, Jack Barton started out, like many at Rovers, in the ranks of local junior organisation Kings's Own.
[2][3] Jack Barton, playing as a wing—half, made his League debut on 29 September 1888 at Dudley Road, the then home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Playing as a wing—half (five appearances), Jack Barton was part of Blackburn Rovers midfield that achieved a big (one—League—goal—or—more) win once.
[4] John Barton was very involved in the 1889-90 Football League campaign (Blackburn Rovers finished third in the League) playing in 15 matches, scoring once) and appeared three times in 1889-90 FA Cup, scoring once and playing in the Final which Rovers won 6–1 over The Wednesday thereby gaining his first of two Winner's medals.
From 1888 until he retired in 1891 Jack Barton played 50 times for Rovers, 40 Football League and ten FA Cup.