Love, murder story binds siblings

SANDPOINT — The children of a modern-day Casanova who was slain in Sandpoint in the 1970s are gathering for a family reunion in Texas next month.

“This sort of thing only happens in books and made-for-TV movies,” said Connie Hoye, who is one of the many offspring of Alton William “Dub” Barron.

Barron, who was also known as Allan Kain, fathered at least 15 children whose rakish ways earned him the nickname Johnny Appleseed. Hoye suspects there are other children who remain unaccounted for.

Hoye said Barron’s children are gathering in their father’s hometown of Tyler on Sept. 1.

“And this couldn’t have happened without modern technology. Over the past 18 months, internet sites have helped us learn who our biological father was and find, to date, 15 siblings,” said Hoye.

Hoye added that it’s not uncommon for adult children who find their biological fathers to discover that they may find a half-sibling or two.

Barron is said to have had girlfriends and wives around the country and globe. He spent ample amounts of time in Idaho, Washington state, California, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Indiana, in addition to Indonesia.

But Barron’s libertine lifestyle would ultimately result in his downfall. He was shot to death at a residence at 1379 Hickory St. on Nov. 14, 1979, according to notes kept by former Bonner County Coroner Dale Coffelt.

Barron, 53, was killed by Jesse Earl Scroggie, the estranged husband of one of Barron’s multiple paramours. Scroggie argued the killing was done in self-defense, although a Bonner County jury convicted him of murder, according to court records.

The newly-found siblings have been researching DNA sites, visiting vital statistic bureaus, contacting historical societies and placing ads in newspapers in search of additional siblings they believe may also be looking for their father or siblings.

The siblings believe, based on information they have collected and Barron’s apparent charm, charisma and passion, that the likelihood of 30 siblings from Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and other cities he had lived in across the country is very strong. Hoye said the children are committed to finding their long-lost siblings — not only for themselves, but to help those siblings add the missing branch to their ancestry tree.

The family is also interested in hearing from Barron’s former wives and girlfriends.

Hoye said family members have long believed Barron had multiple wives and girlfriends, but didn’t get confirmation of their suspicions until a 2016 DNA test.

Those who believe they could be a sibling, were born between 1946-1979, or recognize Barron’s name or photo, may contact the siblings via email at awbarron805@gmail.com. People can also visit facebook.com/AltonWBarron/