Springfield-Greene
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WALTON EUGENE EDMONSON. One of the best remembered and most highly respected citizens of Walnut Grove and vicinity in a past generation was the late Walton Eugene Edmonson, who, after a successful and honorable career as farmer, educator and merchant, took his journey to that mystic clime, Shakespeare's "undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler e'er returns." when in the prime of life and usefulness; but he left behind him a heritage of which his descendants may well be proud--an untarnished name. He was the creditable descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of Greene county, the Edmonsons having assisted in redeeming the rich soil from the primordial state, and here played well their roles in the drama of civilization and no family has been better known here for several generations.
Mr. Edmonson was born on a farm near Walnut Grove, August 12, 1866. He was a son of Fide and Martha (Potter) Edmonson. The father was born in this vicinity also, in November, 1840, and is therefore approaching his seventy-fifth birthday. He is a son of Allen and Polly (Julian) Edmonson, who were very early settlers in Walnut Grove township, clearing and developing a farm here when the country was sparsely settled, and here Fide Edmonson grew to manhood on the homestead and early in life began farming for himself in this locality where he continued to reside until a few years ago when he removed with his family to Polk county, and has continued agricultural pursuits; however, is now practically retired. His wife was also born and reared in Greene county. To them the following children have been born: Alonzo, who was formerly in the banking business in Walnut Grove; Walton E., subject of this memoir; Dudley who lives in Colorado; Edward, who is farming in Polk county; Dollie and Bettie, who are at home with their parents, and Rufus, also at home.
Walton E. Edmonson, commonly known as "Walter," grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work when he became of proper age. Being of a studious disposition he obtained a good education in the local schools and by constant home study. For many years he taught school in Walnut Grove township and did much to improve the school system, raising the local schools from common to graded schools, and in many ways advanced the cause of education in this locality, and he was regarded as one of the most efficient teachers in the county, and was popular with both pupils and patrons. In 1891 he gave up educational work and turned his attention to merchandising in Aldrich, Polk county, and remained there two years, then came to Walnut Grove and continued general merchandising. He built up a good trade by his honest and courteous dealings with his many customers and he continued in this line of endeavor the rest of his life.
Mr. Edmonson was married on December 31, 1890, to Flora V. Tarrant, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, June 17, 1870, and there grew to womanhood and received a good education in the public schools. She is a daughter of William M. and Josie (King) Tarrant. Mr. Tarrant was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 20, 1843, and he was brought to Dade county, Missouri, when a small boy by his parents, and there grew to manhood, and when the Civil war began he enlisted in the Sixth Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Union army, and he served gallantly and faithfully until the close of the struggle, at the termination of which he received an honorable discharge. He returned to Dade county, where he followed general agricultural pursuits with success until his death, which occurred in April, 1904. His widow died July 21, 1914, being well advanced in years. They were the parents of the following children: Flora V., who married Mr. Edmonson of this review; Albert B., Fannie and Eva.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson the following children were born: Mamie E., born in October, 1891, is the wife of J. A. Poindexter, a farmer of Dade. county; Lucy E., born in November, 1893, is the wife of Chester A. Holder, a farmer in Walnut Grove township; Cliff E., born December 12, 1895, is the wife of R. B. McDonald, of Walnut Grove, and Travis E., born October 24, 1896, lives in Walnut Grove.
The death of Mr. Edmonson occurred on December 8, 1896, when only a few months past his thirtieth birthday, his untimely death being lamented by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances, Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally, was a member of the Masonic Order and was very active in the work of the same.
After the death of our subject, Mrs. Edmonson opened a millinery store in Walnut Grove, which she conducted with much success, enjoying a large patronage and soon won a reputation for a skilled and tasty trimmer. On May 12, 1913, she was appointed postmistress at Walnut Grove and is now incumbent of the same. She has discharged her duties in this connection in a faithful and highly acceptable manner to both the department and the people.
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