My Genealogy Hound

JOHN T. WALTON, plow manufacturer, Bloomington. Prominent among the business industries of Bloomington is the plow manufactory of John T. Walton, located at 210 and 212 W. Washington street. Mr. Walton is a native of Bracken Co., Ky.; he came to Bloomington in 1840, with his people; In 1849, he began work in the plow manufactory of Mr. Brokaw, serving an apprenticeship of four years; in 1854, he, in company with Mr. H. Hastings, began business in the manufacture of wagons and stocking plows; in the fall of 1855, he began business alone in the manufacture of wagons; in 1857, he took Mr. A. Hamilton as a partner, and they began the manufacture of plows; in 1866, he bought Mr. Hamilton’s interest in the business, and has since conducted it alone; he is now conducting one among the largest manufacturing establishments in the city, his factory being 50 feet front by 115 feet deep, three stories, besides an “L” of two stories, 22x55; he gives employment to from twelve to eighteen men, and manufactures about two thousand five hundred plows per annum. A more complete conception of his business may be gained by referring to his business card, which is found in the business directory of this work. This large business is the result of his own energy and industry and good financiering. He is a man who is well known, it being frequently said of him, “His word is as good as his bond.”