Joseph Walton was born at Whitbourne, Herefordshire, England, 17 September 1829. Whitbourne ia a small village not exceeding 2,000 people, situated on the right bank of the River Teme about ten miles from its junction with the River Severn. Whitbourne, in common with all the other towns in the vicinity excels in the production of cattle, horses and hogs. Rich alluvial deposits and mild temperatures renders it choice for agricultural purposes. Its environmental influences suggest a new type of manhood and habits of the people. Here the Walton line existed from time immemorial back in Anglo-Saxon times and under the protection of the Romans and finally subject to the will of Normandy. The land under William. the Conqueror was apportioned out to the Saxons for the considerations of military service already performed or promised to repel any invasions of the Welsh Britons.

The Waltons were small land owners, but they were hereditary owners and occupants. Schools were far and far between when Joseph was a boy, so that he had very little opportunity to get an education, and like many others of his time acquired little information outside of his own personal inclinations.

He attended the village church and Sunday School and became acquainted with the Bible. He worked with his father and brothers on their farm, and being a strong healthy boy, his labors were sought after by the large land owners of the neighborhood. His reputation and character had been thoroughly established. His principle work was to market the crops in the neighborhood, and his services were ln constant demand until he emigrated to America in the spring of 1852.

On the 30th of December 1851 Joseph Walton married Jane Barriston, a young woman with whom he kept company for four or fire years. They had been neighbors, and a strong intimate acquaintance had developed between them. Jane was four years younger than Joseph and was a bright girl of worldly mind. The union of these two different dispositions was of short duration and very unhappy.

Thomas and Jane Walton (Joseph's father and mother) became identified with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a very early date. The Gospel was first preached by Mormon Elders in the church of the Reverend James Fielding at Preston, England, July 23, 1837, and soon began to bear fruit. Those who preached the Gospel were apostles Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde, together with Willard Richards and Joseph Fielding. There was great excitement among the churches at this time. Every church took up the sword against its neighbor and the Mormon church seemed to have an equal chance with the others, As they plied the oars and spread the net they succeeded in gathering a goodly number. After one year the Church numbered more than 1,000 souls, and Thomas and Jane Walton were numbered among them. This honored couple now lie side by side in the Mill Creek cemetery. Their family was a large one, consisting of five sons and three daughters, named in order of ages as follows: Ann, Joseph, George, John, Thomas, James, Hannah and Jane. All were baptized except Thomas and James.

The Walton home was a Samaritan home with an open door and a place of rest from danger and travel for the hungry and tired missionary who was always welcome and whose parting benedictions always brought a blessing to the occupants. Young Joseph Walton remembered a meeting that was held on a beautiful site near the River Teme and he related what a lasting impression it made on him. The hymns charmed him and the outdoor service was attractive. Though he was too young to think seriously about doctrine or creeds, the gem was there and in time responded to the touch of light!

He related that during the summer of 1839, while he and his brother James were working in the employ of a farmer at Clifton-on-Teme, a man came to them to bring the sad message that their sister Hannah was about to die and that she wished to see them both. They obtained leave of absence from the farmer and set out on the way to the old home. Their sister was sick unto death. Calling her brothers to her bedside, she pleaded with them to seek for a testimony of the Gospel, promising them if they would ask the Lord in faith their request would be granted.

-- J. B. Walton