Joseph Benjamin Walton, son of Joseph and Ann Thompson Walton was born October 10, 1855 in Alpine, Utah Co., Utah. In the spring of 1855, Joseph and Ann had moved to Alpine. It was here in Alpine that Joseph Benjamin along with his brothers John James and Thomas Heber grew up. A brother Alma Thompson died while an infant. (Joseph Benjamin, throughout his life was known as "Bennie, J.B. and Dad Walton).
The family were pioneers living in a little two room log house inside the fort. The floor was of dirt kept scrupulously clean. In time, boards were laid down to cover the ground floor. Furniture was sparse consisting of 2 chairs, 3 stools, a little table and 2 beds. The bedding was buffalo robes which were purchased from Indians in exchange for a horse. "Kitchen appliances" consisted of a bake-pot, kettle, earthen jar for water, tin dishes and forks. Clothing was all handmade --- wool from the sheep's fleece to the finished product. Molasses, corn, wheat, oats and barley were some of the staples to feed the family. Tallow candles were used for light at night. Dances, concerts, and dramas were provided for entertainment. There was always plenty of talent available. Joseph Benjamin and John learned to play the fife at an early age participating in the martial band of Alpine. He took prominent parts in the social affairs and at the age of 12 was an outstanding entertainer. The people of this "little village" found enjoyment in poverty. There was no class distinction. This condition prevailing enabled people to love people--- to love their neighbors as themselves. The family lived in this house for about 10 years and then built a rock house at 38 No. 200 East in Alpine which is still standing, this being the year 2001. Times were hard for these early settlers of Alpine, but happiness abounded in the Walton home. Here the boys were taught how to work and love the Lord Jesus Christ, their parents being strong, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
When Bennie was 4 years old he was called a "book prodigy" and would follow the older students to school with books under his arm. The students would ask the teacher's permission to bring him into the classroom while they studied. At the age of 10 he could recite the time tables by heart. He could name every country in the world and name its capitol and locate them on maps. In the spring of 1870, Bennie, a young boy of 15 entered the Timpanogos University in Provo. This later became Brigham Young Academy in 1875. In 1876 he received his diploma along with 29 other students.
While attending school, he met a young lady by the name of Emeline Louisa Jacques. She was the daughter of George William and Louisa Adelaide Phillips Jacques. They became good friends and on Oct. 31, 1877 were married in the St. George Temple. They settled down in Provo, Utah where Bennie taught school and, also, for some time in Springville. Four children were born to this couple -- Myrl born Nov. 2, 1878; Joseph Berne born Feb. 29, 1880; Aurora born Jan. 21, 1889; Rhea was born Aug. 16, 1892.
In Aug. of 1896, Joseph B. was called and set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to labor in England. Emeline stayed at home taking care of home and family. He served an honorable mission and returned home in 1898. While in England he met a little girl named Annie Rodham. As her mother was unable to care for her, permission was given to Elder Walton to take her home with him. Annie became part of the Walton Family in Provo. In his missionary journal he wrote," I am full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father that he has brought me home again. I believe that He has harkened to the prayers of my friends in my behalf. My friends are the angels whom He has sent to comfort my wife and children and to bring peace to our house. They have prospered."
June 21, 1899 saw the first of the Walton children to get married. Myrl married Wilford Willis Bennett. Aurora married William Elmo Brereton Dec. 9,1908. Joseph Berne married Christa Carroll Sep. 20, 1909. Annie Rodham married Charles Oman Houghton Aug. 24, 1911. Rhea married Raymond Reese Freshwater Dec. 30, 1918. J.B. and Emeline were eventually blessed with 14 grandchildren. In 1911 other changes took place in the Walton household. J.B. retired from active teaching and serving as a principal and took up fruit growing at his home in Pleasant View, just outside of Provo City.
Joseph Benjamin was highly esteemed in the community. He was a teacher, an educator, a horticulturist. For years he belonged to the Provo Martial Band and played his flute in the band for the entertainment of the public on holidays. He was very patriotic. It has been said that "on many occasions he read the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July with such fervor that the revolutionary patriots themselves would have enjoyed to hear the same". He loved to see the American flag wave on all patriotic occasions as an emblem of freedom and liberty. He was noted for his cultural advancements. He bought the first radio in Provo along with a phonograph and telescope and opened his home to the community for their enjoyment. "Emma", as she was known, was a quiet support to him throughout his life always standing by his side and encouraging him on. During the last five years of his life, J.B. wrote and compiled a statistical and biographical history of the early pioneers of Provo.
Emma Jacques Walton died July 26, 1933. Joseph Benjamin died April 29, 1935, being buried by her side, in the Provo City Cemetery. Thus came to the close the lives of two stalwarts who have indeed blessed the lives of their posterity.