Robert H. Walton, one of the old and most respected residents of Hardeman County, was born April 7, 1818, in Davidson County, Tenn. His parents were Mabrey and Martha (Exum) Walton, both of English origin and born in Virginia. They came to Sumner County, Tenn., when quite young; there they married and lived until about 1816, when they moved to Davidson County. In 1835, they settled in Hardeman County, where the remainder of their lives was spent. Their family consisted of nine sons and one daughter. Both parents were true members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Walton was a farmer by occupation. He met a sad and shocking death when about sixty-five years of age. He was standing by a chimney during a severe storm, the lightning struck it, killing him instantly. The mother lived to the advanced age of eighty-two. The grandfather Walton served seven years in the Revolutionary war, and the maternal grandfather procured supplies for the army. The subject of this sketch was the fifth child; he was raised on a farm, receiving his education in the old field schools. At eighteen he began life on his own responsibility. After keeping a toll bridge across Hatchie River, he volunteered in Capt. R. P. Neely’s company, to remove the Indians to their territory. After his return he began farming, which has since been his occupation. In 1842, he wedded Mrs. Sarah Kearney, by whom he had three children, two of whom are living: Mary E., wife of D. E. Durrett, and Charles A. April, 1886, Mrs. Walton died, she was an exemplary Christian, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, a loving wife, a kind and affectionate mother, useful and valuable member of society. Mr. Walton is also connected with the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a strong old school Democrat. For six years, he was a magistrate, and coroner same length of time. As an agriculturist, he has met with great success having started in life within almost nothing, he has by judicious management and energy been enabled to purchase 500 acres of fine land. He has made Hardemnan County his home for more than fifty years. He is well known as an honest man and worthy, upright citizen.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”