Henry F. Walton
American politician (1858–1921)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Henry F. Walton (October 2, 1858 – May 4, 1921) was an American politician who served as speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1895 to 1896 and 1903 to 1906.
Henry F. Walton | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives | |
| In office 1895–1896 | |
| Preceded by | Caleb C. Thompson |
| Succeeded by | Henry K. Boyer |
| In office 1903–1906 | |
| Preceded by | William T. Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Frank B. McClain |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 2, 1858 |
| Died | May 5, 1921 (aged 62) |
| Party | Republican |
Early life
Walton was born on October 2, 1858, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.[1] His family moved to Philadelphia when he was one year old.[2] He was educated in the School District of Philadelphia and had private tutors. He studied law in the office of Wayne MacVeagh and George Tucker Bispham.[3]
Career
In 1884, Walton became an assistant city solicitor of Philadelphia. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1890 and made a run for speaker in 1892. Although he was unsuccessful in becoming speaker, he was appointed chairman of the judiciary committee. He was elected speaker of the house in 1895.[3] He did not run for reelection in 1896, instead running for the Fifth District seat in the Pennsylvania Senate.[4] In 1899, he was appointed solicitor of the Philadelphia County sheriff's office.[5] He ran for the Senate again in 1900, but lost the Republican nomination to William H. Berkelbach.[6] Walton returned to the House in 1902 and was once again elected speaker. He did not run for reelection in 1906.[1] He was elected state party chairman in 1910 and 1911, but did not seek another term in 1912.[7][8]
In 1910, Walton was elected Prothonotary of the County of Philadelphia and Clerk of the Courts of Common Pleas by the board of judges.[9] He held this position until his death on May 4, 1921. His cause of death was described as an "an acute attack of neuritis".[2]