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Biography
William Thomas Walton



Memoirs of Georgia - published 1895 by the Southern Historical Association

William Thomas WALTON, farmer, Kiokee, Columbia County, Georgia, son of Jesse S. and Palatiah (Jones) Walton, was born in Columbia County, Georgia in 1836. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of England and emigrated to this country and settled in Virginia about the middle of the last century.

His grandparents were William and Sallie (Grinnage) Walton, natives of Virginia. They migrated to Georgia in 1790 and settled in Columbia County, where he prosperously planted all his life. He was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and for his services drew some land in Kentucky. To pay the taxes on this he was accustomed to go there every year on horseback. He was surveyor of Columbia County and held the office many years.

Mr. Walton's father was born in Columbia County, was raised a planter and made it a life pursuit with marked success. His maternal great-grandfather, Jones, was a native of Wales, England, and emigrated to this country before the revolutionary war.

His mother was a daughter of Ellis, son of the above, and Mary (Pinson) Jones. He was born in Columbia County, near where Harlem now stands, was a large planter, and grew to be, what was considered wealthy in his day, and became a leading, influential citizen.

Mr. Walton was raised on the plantation and received a collegiate education, graduating in 1856. In 1864, he enlisted in Terrell's artillery company, but in a short time left the service on account of ill health and returned home. He has since devoted himself to planting, and has been content with its pleasures and profits. He is the proprietor of a large estate and is a leading citizen of the county, in which he is held in high esteem. Mr. Walton was married in 1860 to Miss Mary - born in Columbia County in 1841, daughter of Benjamin Berry, a native of Maryland. His father was a native of England and emigrated to this country and settled in that state.

Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walton seven survive: Emma, wife of Thomas B. Dozier; Benjamin B., William T., Pollie E., Francis J., Eloise M. and Ruth.

Himself and wife are active members of the Methodist church.





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