Barney Argyle

Barney Argyle

Artist; Occupational; Branding; Bootjack

Profile of artist Barney Argyle

1922

2013

Rancher

Over forty-five years ago, just home from World War II, Barney Argyle made his first boot jack. Looking back now, over three hundred boot jacks later, neither he, nor his neighbors, had any idea what a tradition he was starting. Born in Spanish Fork into a pioneer ranching family, Barney has always raised cattle and still lives on the family homestead near Utah Lake. Over the years he has surprised many neighbors and friends, as well as people he just meets, with a hardwood boot jack. More than twenty years ago Barney began personalizing the jacks by decorating them with local brands and with names, spelled out with brands. His interest in making things also includes building miniatures from horseshoes and leather that reflect his family heritage, occupation and lifestyle.