Originally serving as a chaplain to Sir Thomas Burdett of Foremark, Barton transitioned into a military career, attaining the rank of colonel.
[1] In 1653, Barton was nominated to represent Derbyshire in the Barebones Parliament, an assembly convened by Oliver Cromwell and the Army Council.
A defeated rival contested his eligibility, arguing that his holy orders disqualified him from serving as a member of parliament.
Barton countered by asserting that the abolition of episcopal ordination rendered this objection moot.
In 1654, Barton published a "Representation and Defence" in response to allegations made against him by Sir Samuel Sleigh, addressing claims related to his conduct and qualifications.