JOHN C. CHILTON. To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits; for the same reason we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone; to do this we are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. By the introduction of an admirable system of local biography every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. James Chilton was born on the Chilton farm, on the banks of Current River, eight miles southeast of Van Buren, in the year 1828. He was a son of Mark Chilton, who came to this State at a very early date. James Chilton was a farmer all his life and owned a good farm of 100 acres, all of which were under cultivation, He was Democratic in his political views and held the office of sheriff of Carter County one term, being well and favorably known all over the county. Mr. Chilton was married in Washington County, Missouri, to Miss Martha Johnston, a native of Washington County, Missouri, born in 1835, and their union was blessed by the birth of five children: Benjamin F., a merchant residing at Alton, Orange County, Missouri; Lillie, wife of Henry Detmer, of Wayne County; Lizzie, wife of James Moseley, M.D., of Alton; John C., subject; and Viola, who is the wife of William Partney, of Carter County, and they have two children: James and Mattie. The father died in 1875. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Chilton is still living on, the old home place.
John C. Chilton, the youngest son, is living on the old home place. He was born in Carter County in April, 1865, and attended the schools of this section of the county. Later he entered upon his career as a farmer and this has since continued to be his chosen occupation. He has met with the best of success and has an excellent home. To his marriage with Miss Emma Bales three children were born: Bessie, James and Benjamin H. Mr. Chilton is a Democrat in politics and is deeply interested in the welfare of his party. The old home place is a river farm and was one of the first settled in Carter County.