On February 17, 1812, Eliakim P. Walton was born in Montpelier. Walton would serve in the U.S. Congress, but only at the insistance of others. He reluctantly agreed, and won election by a margin of three to one and was re-elected twice.

But E. P. Walton would best be remembered for publishing the Vermont Watchman and State Gazette with his father.

He established other publications, as well, most notably a daily newspaper at the onset of the Civil War, with a correspondent in every Vermont regiment serving on the front. This was an incredible historical record, and provided Vermonters with news that mattered.

Image courtesy the Vermont Historical Society.