Samuel W. Walton, the youngest in a family of eight children, attended the public schools of his native country and afterward served his apprenticeship as a marble cutter under the direction of his father. He was only fifteen years of age, however, when his father died and. the responsibility of conducting the business devolved upon his young shoulders. He resolutely undertook the task and did good work for one of his years. There he remained until 1881, when he came to the United States, bringing his wife with him, for he had been married in the meantime. Making his way into the interior of the country he settled first at Waukegan, Illinois, where he remained for four years, being foreman in monument works of that place. He removed thence to Anamosa and has been a resident of the town since the spring of 1885. He was first employed in the stone quarries here, but found the work was too strenuous, and in the same year he began business on his own account, establishing the marble works of which he has since been proprietor, and which are now conducted under the firm style of Walton & Son Monumental Works. Their excellent workmanship, fair prices and earnest efforts to please their patrons have secured for them a growing trade and many fine specimens of expert skill are seen in the cemeteries of this district.

On the 17th of October 1872, Mr. Walton was married in England to Miss Hannah J. Marshall, who was born on the 2d of April, 1848. They have become parents of four children: George W., who is now in the wall paper business in North Dakota; Alfred E., who since 1897 has been a member of the firm of Walton & Son; Herbert M., who died in infancy; and Harriet M. The parents are members of the Baptist church and are loyal to its teachings. In the social circles of the community they occupy an enviable position, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Walton is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the American Patriots. His son is also connected with the Knights of Pythias. Both father and son are stalwart supporters of the republican party and the latter is now township clerk of Fairview township. They are recognized as business men of good ability, actuated in their undertakings by the spirit of enterprise, and Mr. Walton feels that he has no occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for he has here found and improved good opportunities and has made for himself a comfortable living.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 164.

W. M. Walton received his early training for life in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of seventeen, when his parents came to this state, he began earning his living as a farm hand. For eight or nine years he obtained employment by the month, and then as the result of his industry and economy was able to rent a piece of land, which made it possible for him to derive the entire benefits of his toil. By dint of hard work and frugality he was able in 1884 to buy part of the farm on which he lives today. As his operations have prospered he has added to the original tract until he now owns two hundred and forty-eight acres in Rome township, which is under a high state of cultivation, bespeaking the good husbandry of the man who tills the fields.

On the 15th of November 1883, Mr. Walton was united in marriage to Mrs. House who born in New York state in 1850. Her parents, George F. and Elizabeth House, were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, but came to Iowa in 1854 when its rich prairies of the state were being given by the government to those who would make their homes here. They located in Jones county, and upon the claim he entered Mr. House put up a shanty, without doors or windows which was to shelter his family from the elements. Jones county remained their home until death, though they had retired to the town of Olin to spend the last days of their lives. One of the four children born to her parents, Mrs. Walton has become the mother of six children and is the grandmother of an equal number. By her first marriage she had a son Franklin H., of Cedar county, Iowa, and a daughter, Gertrude A., who is the wife of S. W. Clymer, of Rome township. Of her marriage to Mr. Walton there have been four children born: Elsie May, wife. of G. F. Garden, of this county; Leo E., of Rome township: Lexie W. and Albert N., who live at home.

Mr. Walton and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are consistent in maintaining the tenets of their faith. When called upon to exercise his franchise as a citizen of this republic Mr. Walton gives his support to the candidate of the Republican Party, believing firmly in the principles laid down in its platform. He is a member of the Fraternal Brothers of the World and also of the Mystic Workers, and in both organizations has made firm friends, he possessing those qualities that appeal to all mankind, awakening confidence and regard in every land and clime.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 624.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 606.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 636.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 583.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 597.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 597.