How did Grandpa, Jim Hortenstine WALTON, get his name?

Grandpa, Jim H. WALTON, was born 1890 in Pleasanton, Alameda County, California. It appears he was named after some neighbors (and probably close friends) of the family, the HORTENSTINE family, who lived next door to the WALTON family. Jim's father was John Franklin WALTON, born 1859, in Santa Cruz, California. John F. and his father, John Bice WALTON, were carpenters in Pleasanton. John F. also owned a grocery store in Pleasanton.

John B. HORTENSTINE, born 1852 in Virginia, and his brother James W., born 1856 in Illinois, settled in Pleasanton  in 1874. In 1876 John purchased a share of the general store owned by John E. STOVER, forming Hortenstine & Stover Co.  In 1880 John and his wife, Luella were living next to STOVER. James was a clerk in the store and was living with STOVER and his family. By 1887, the store was Hortenstine Bros. When the village of Pleasanton incorporated in 1894, John was one of the first trustees.

In 1900, James HORTENSTINE and his wife Fannie and their family were living on one side of John Bice WALTON (grandfather of Jim H.) and his family. John HORTENSTINE, widowed, was living on the other side.