My Genealogy Hound

Walton H. Mathis. A limited description of the life, birth and success of him whose name heads this sketch will greatly add to the value and interest of the history of Chicot County, since he ranks pre-eminently among the popular and influential citizens of this place. Mr. Mathis was born in Columbia, Chicot County, Ark., in March, 1845, being a son of Martin and Eugenia Mathis, natives of the States of Mississippi and Louisiana, respectively. Walton grew to manhood in his native State, and his educational advantages were slightly limited owing to the fact that the late war left the family somewhat financially crippled. He enlisted in the great civil strife in 1862, on the side of the Confederacy, being at the time only sixteen years old, and figured conspicuously and bravely in the heart of many of the famous battles and minor skirmishes. At Corinth he was wounded, and was discharged at Port Hudson. After this he returned home, but joined another company, and fought until discharged at Marshall, Texas. Again returning to the land that first sheltered his infancy, he commenced farming, and at one time moved to Mississippi, but in 1875 once more settled in Chicot County, since which time he has remained here. He was married in 1870 to Miss Margaret F. Gordon, daughter of Joseph, and a native of Alabama. To this union have been born two children: Walton E. (who died when only eighteen months old), and Magnett M. His wife died in April, 1873, and Mr. Mathis was again married to Mrs. Mary Ellis, and to them have been born two children, viz.: Oscar (living) and Victor (who died in infancy). He owns a large estate, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Mason and a K. of P.