John Layton, 90, Lewis County’s oldest native son, died Friday [March 8, 1946] at his home on Layton Prairie, where he was born on March 3, 1853. Survivors include three children, 30 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Mahala Partch, Poulsbo; Mrs. Alice Fawver, Shelton, and George W. Layton, Olympia. Funeral services have been set for Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian church in Toledo.
Mr. Layton was a familiar figure each year at the annual picnics of the Southwest Washington Pioneer Association. His father crossed the plains in 1849 and took up a homestead on Layton Prairie. At the age of 18, John did the blacksmithing on the Layton ranch and wagon repair work. He followed this trade for 20 years and then turned to carpentering for 30 years before retiring.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman