A.L. Bartley was born in the Bartley community north west of Ladonia in 1891. He became a certified teacher and taught in rural schools. In 1917, he was drafted and fought in the trenches in France. He later wrote a book " Tales of the World War" describing his experiences in France. After the war he married Gladys Oakley. He started the A.L. Bartley Insurance business and then went into banking. A good friend of Congressman Sam Rayburn, he was one of the original directors of the Sam Rayburn Foundation.
A.L. Bartley was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and served as a district deputy master.

   Mr. A.L. Bartley, member of one of Ladonia's earliest pioneer families is a leading citizen and businessman of Ladonia. Head of the A.L. Bartley Agency, cashier of The Farmers and Merchants State Bank, and secretary of the Ladonia Chamber of Commerce. In the World War, Mr Bartley served in the 359th Inf., Company E 90th Division for 14 months. Twelve months were spent overseas.

 

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His Tombstone in the Ladonia Cemetery
Masonic Symbol