Robert Alexander Walton
Nov. 11, 1832-June 25, 1915
Niles Daily Sun, Friday, June 25, 1915, page 1, col. 8 (microfilm Niles District Library)
R.A. WALTON PAYS DEBT OF NATURE
Respected Citizen Lived 79 Years in This Vicinity—Served His Country in Civil War and Leaves a Good Name as Best Heritage.
Robert Alexander Walton, respected citizen, civil war veteran, and successful farmer in the days of activity, answered the final summons at 6 o'clock this morning after several months of ill health, but which had only reached a critical stage since last Monday. Death was due to the natural infirmities of age.
The deceased was a man of the most sterling integrity, upright in all his dealings with his fellow man,and he leaves the rich heritage of an unsullied reputation to the members of his family and many friends.
Born November 11, 1832, at Milford, Delaware, he came with his parents when a child of four to Michigan. Joseph Walton, his father, settled on a farm just over the Cass county line in Howard township, which was known later as the Rice farm.
He remained at home until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion when he answered the first call of President Abraham Lincoln for 75, 000 volunteers and he enlisted in Company F of the Twelfth Michigan infantry at Niles. He served four years altogether, although disabled by wounds and ill health for a considerable portion of the time. He was struck in the shoulder by a fragment of a rebel shell during a sharp skirmish.
He was mustered out as a sergeant at the closed of the war and returned to Niles. October 4, 1866, he was united in marriage to Melvina Ribble of Berrien township and the following spring they took possession of a 120-acre farm that Mr. Walton bought two miles north of Niles and which continued to be his home until a few years ago he retired and moved to town, leaving his son Herbert to manage the farm. His original holdings were increased as years went on and prosperity came to him and at the time of his death the Walton farm comprises upwards of 200 acres.
Mr. Walton was always a devout and active member of the Methodist church, and is believed to be the last of the original band who contributed to the fund for the erection of the present Methodist church in this city.
The was during the war, about the year 1863, while Mr. Walton was at home for a short time on furlough on the account of disability. He was a trustee of this church for many years and maintained his interest throughout his long and useful life.
He is survived by Mrs. Walton and their six sons, Byron E. Walton of Aberdeen, South Dakota; J.E. Walton of Green River, Utah; Herbert F. Walton, who resides on the homestead; D.M. Walton of Dowagiac and Roy H. and Arthur Walton of Niles. Mrs. F.H. Rice of West Niles is the only surviving sister.
The funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock, being deferred until that time to give ample time for the son, J.E. Walton to reach Niles from Utah.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, June 26, 1915, page 4, col. 2 (microfilm Niles District Library)
Members of the W.R.C. Are requested to meet at the home of R.A. Walton Mondy morning at 10o'clock to attend the funeral services. . .
same column
The funeral services for the late R.A. Walton will be held at 10 o'clock Monday morning from the residence, Rev. R.A. Wright officiating. The six sons of the deceased will act as pallbearers, J.E. Walton, a son, left Green reiver, Utah, for Niles the night before his father died and he is expected tonight or early in the morning.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, June 26, 1915, page 4, col. 1 (microfilm Niles District Library)
The funeral services for the late R.A. Walton were conducted this morning from the residence on South Fourth street by Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and old friends and neighbors. The six sons of the deceased were the pallbearers. The official board fo the Methodist church attended the services in a body. The body was laid to rest at Silver Brook cemetery.