Eliakim Persons WALTON, Congress, VT (1812-1890)

WALTON Eliakim Persons , a Representative from Vermont; born in Montpelier, Vt., February 17, 1812; attended the common schools; apprenticed to a printer; studied law, but did not practice; engaged in journalism and compiling; editor of ``Walton's Vermont Register''; organizer and first president of the Editors and Publishers' Association, holding the office of president for more than twenty years; after the retirement of his father in 1853 was sole proprietor of the Watchman until 1868; served in the State house of representatives in 1853; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth, Thirty-sixth, and Thirty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1857-March 3, 1863); declined to be a candidate for reelection and returned to his editorial and literary labors; delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1864; member of the State constitutional convention in 1870; served in the State senate in 1875 and 1877; trustee of the University of Vermont and of the State agricultural college 1875-1887; president of the Vermont Historical Society 1876-1890; died in Montpelier, Washington County, Vt., December 19, 1890; interment in Green Mount Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present