Walton, John T.

John T. Walton was born in Clarksville, Arkansas, on December 1, 1855, to Dr. Isaac A. Walton and Mary Elizabeth Perry. He moved to Fresno County, California, in 1884, joining his family who had migrated west in 1880 and homesteaded land upon which the town of Sanger was later built. He established himself as a prominent horticulturist and viticulturist, developing a fine ranch of eighty-two and one-half acres devoted to peaches and raisin grapes.

In 1890, John married Augusta M. Hudspeth, the daughter of Dr. J. D. Hudspeth, and together they raised five surviving children: Charles LeRoy, Estey H., Nellie, Isaac Aubrey, and Mildred. On January 6, 1896, he and his wife became two of the eight charter members who organized the Baptist Church at Sanger, the first church established in the town. In addition to his agricultural success and active church leadership, he served four years as Justice of the Peace in Sanger, earning high respect throughout the community.