The John H. Bolton Family

By Julian H. Bolton

John Henry Bolton (1852-1941) was the fifth of eleven children born to the Canada S. Boltons. Despite the hardships of the early days, John loved life and had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Being of an impulsive nature, he joined excitement with enthusiasm. He once fell from a roof while helping firemen fight a fire. Fortunately, he fell into a tank of water. When a well-digger was not cleaning a store-well fast enough, he started down and the well rope broke but he landed on his feet. The local paper printed a news story headed "Ding Dong Dell, Johnny's In The Well." He once took Gober Grocery Company delivery pick-up by mistake to his farm on Mud Creek. To avoid this error again he painted the radiator cap on his pick-up a bright red. He founded an early Jacksonville drug store. He would perform minor operations such as removing the finger of a boy to stop gangrene.

He was active civically in the growth of Jacksonville, and was the second generation contributing to the building of the Methodist Church and Alexander Collegiate Institute. In his last years, he was affectionately called "Uncle John" by all ages.

Viola Elizabeth Simmons was born to Capt. Augustus Alexander Simmons (1838-1899) (Origin Lauderdale County, Alabama) and the former Lydia Middleton (1838-1921) (Origin Franklin County, Miss.). She was wed to John Bolton at Rusk on October 20, 1882, by Bro. E. F. Boone. She was the first president of the Methodist Missionary Society. She was a noble hearted woman that strove to rear her six children with pride and dignity. All of their children live now in Jacksonville. They are:

Grace G. Bolton, who married A. B. Phillips (1872-1952). Their children are Margaret (McDougle), Helen (Nixon) and Bethel (Ozmun).

Robert Simmons Bolton (1887-1918) married Bertha Boyd (1887-1964). Their children were Robertha (Campbell) (1914-1943) and John Boyd Bolton. As a lad, Robert planted the magnolia tree at the northeast corner of the City Park. At that time, this area was a residential section and he would have to drive the grazing cows off the young tree.

Mary Devereux Bolton, who did not marry. She lives here.

Louise Bolton, who married Gus S. Blankinship (1888-1960). Their only child is Betty (Ward).

Philip Alexander Bolton, who married Natalie Dolan (1902-1961). Their children were Phyllis (Acker) and Philip A. (Peter), Jr., (1928-1960).

Julian Henry Bolton who married Ora Louise Ervin. Their children are Charles Ervin Bolton, Anne B. (Ball) and Julie B. (Douglas).

John H. Bolton at the time of his marriage, 1882.

Viola Elizabeth Simmons, the wife of John H. Bolton.