My Genealogy Hound

MOSES A. WALTON, a native-born citizen of Greene County, first opened his eyes to the light in Spring Valley Township, July 22, 1840, and is the son of Samuel and Catherine (Mendenhall) Walton; the former was born in 1804, in Shenandoah County, Va., while the mother of our subject was born in 1801. Mr. Walton acquired the rudiments of his education in the common school, and completed his studies in the High School at Spring Valley. His father died when he was a little lad of four years, and at the age of fifteen he began to assist his mother in the maintenance of the family, and in the management of the business.

When twenty-two years old, Mr. Walton was married, February 12, 1862, to Miss Louisa J., daughter of Ambrose and Susan R. (Babb) Elam. This lady was born in Spring Valley Township, September 27, 1840, and by her union with our subject, became the mother of one child, a daughter, Nettie M. Mr. Walton after his marriage settled on a farm in Spring Valley Township, and in addition to the successful pursuit of agriculture, became prominent in local affairs. He was elected County Commissioner, and after serving for a time, resigned to take charge of the Infirmary. Of this he was Trustee seven years, and for a period of seventeen years he was a member of the School Board of Spring Valley Township. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Walton is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the order of Red Men. For two years he was Chairman of the State Association of County Commissioners.

Moses Walton, Sr., the uncle of our subject, was born on the banks of the Little Miami River, at Spring Valley Station, June 27, 1809. His parents were Edward R. and Deborah (Allen) Walton, natives of Shenandoah County, Va.; the father was born in 1777, and the mother April 10, 1775. They were married in their native State.

Edward R. Walton was a miller by trade, and came on horseback to Ohio in 1806. He endeavored to purchase the farm upon which, later, was located the town of Spring Valley, and which then comprised a tract of three hundred acres, but was outbid by another man who secured the coveted prize. Mr. Walton then returned to Virginia, and upon reaching home, found James Barnes, the owner of the land waiting for him, and from him Mr. Walton purchased it and removed his family there in the fall of 1808. He cleared and improved the land, and finally laid out the town of Spring Valley, making twelve lots on the west side of the pike, while his son Moses platted an equal number on the east side.

Grandfather Walton sent a substitute to the army during the War of 1812. Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Republican, and departed this life at the old homestead April 10, 1867. He outlived his wife many years, she dying at the age of sixty-eight. She was a very intelligent woman, and served as a preacher in the Society of Friends. There was born to them a family of eight children, viz: Samuel, the father of our subject; Betty, the wife of William Mendenhall; Mary, who died in infancy; Moses; Eunice the wife of Eli Compton, Edward, John, and Hannah, Mrs. Amos Cook, now a resident of Hamilton County, Ind.

Edward R. Walton was the son of Moses Walton, who died in Virginia from injuries received by the sword of an officer who struck at him because, being a Quaker, he refused to enter the army. To him and his wife Eunice Rogers, there was born a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The sons were Samuel, Moses, Edward, and John. Deborah (Allen) Walton came to Ohio prior to her marriage, to visit her two sisters, Mrs. Betty Haines, of Waynesville, and Cicely Schooley, of Oldtown, this county. She came to this State upon the promise of Mr. Walton to marry her. Her father was Joseph Allen, of Irish origin, and her mother’s first name was Betty. The journey hither was made on horseback.

Grandmother Walton was three times married, and there were born to her four sons and three daughters by her first husband. By her second husband, Mr. Allen, she became the mother of two children. She spent her last days in Virginia, passing away at a ripe old age.

Moses Walton, Sr., the uncle of our subject, has never lived outside of Spring Valley Township. He was in the railroad service for sixteen years, and followed pork packing for a period of nearly forty years. He also superintended the operations of a farm. Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Republican, but since the death of President Garfield, has given his support to the Prohibition party. He has occupied the various minor offices, serving as Township Treasurer, and acquitting himself creditably in whatever position he has been placed.

Mr. Walton was first married October 30, 1834, to Miss Mary Cook. This lady was born in Warren County, this State, and is the daughter of John and Dinah (Spray) Cook. Of this union there were born five children, viz: Dinah the wife of Samuel Owen, of Hamilton County, Ind.; Hannah, Mrs. Aurelius Alexander of Spring Valley; Samuel; Deborah, the widow of Tilmon B. Lloyd, and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Marion Wildman, and is now deceased. Mrs. Mary (Cook) Walton departed this life at her home in Spring Valley, March 15, 1844. Mr. Walton, October 1, 1845, was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of Reason Reagan. Of this union there was born one child, Moses. Mrs. Rachel Walton died April 26, 1848.

The third wife of Mr. Walton, to whom he was married, November 19, 1849, was Deborah Johnson. She was born in Highland County, this State, and is the daughter of Anthony and Mary (Lupton) Johnson. Eight children were born of the third marriage; four died in infancy. The survivors — John, Homer, Lupton, and Ethan Allen, lived to mature years. Mrs. Deborah Walton died February 28, 1882. All these ladies belonged to the Society of Friends.