Born in Scotland, his family came to Canada in 1844. John opened his photography studio (possibly with his brother, William) in 1866. William would later move to Port Huron, MI and establish a studio there.
From the collection of John Rochon.
Sarnia Observer April 17, 1868 p3
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
In 1868 he moved his studio to quarters above McCart's grocery store. In 1869, he entered into partnership with T. Challoner, which lasted a year.
From the collection of John Rochon
Sarnia Observer May 9, 1870 p3
In the 1877 Directory of Lambton County, he is listed as an artist.
From the collection of John Rochon
By 1878 he had moved his studio to quarters above Alex. Leys store on Front St.
Sarnia Observer July 12, 1878 p3
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
By 1879, he has entered into partnership with James Walker. This partnership lasted until 1884. Records indicate that Barron and Walker took on another partner in 1883, but I have no idea who that may have been (John's brother William??). During this period the studio relocated to #4 Durand Block, Front St.
Tornado Damage on east side of Front Street - July 11, 1879
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
Sarnia Observer May 23, 1884 p1
From 1884 to 1898 he continued his studio at the same address, also selling sheet music and instruments.
Photo taken June 7, 1884 showing Barron's studio at right.
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
From the collection of John Rochon
Sarnia Observer July 4, 1890 p4
From the collection of John Rochon
In 1898, due to the increased demand of other business interests, he closed his photography studio and brought in a daughter to help with the music part of the business. Sometime in the early 20th century, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he died on Sept. 17, 1924. His funeral was held from the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. Ashby of 224 Vidal St. South, to Lakeview Cemetery.
Sarnia Observer Sept. 23, 1924 p10
The majority of the information for this post was taken from the entry on John Barron in the Beers' Biographical Record of Lambton County 1906 pgs.779-780. These dates conflict slightly with those contained in Glen C. Phillips' helpful book, Ontario Photographers List 1851-1900, which list John Barron's years as a photographer as 1868-1896 and the years of his partnership with James Walker as 1881-1884.
