Previous to 1873 the territory embraced in Layton township was a part of Knox, but in that year June 7 the petition by W.B. CUPPY, THOMAS LEDWICK, G.N. ROBINSON and 40 other citizens of Knox township, was presented to the county Board of Supervisors. The first election was held in the town of Walnut on Oct 14, 1873. The first settlers were E.B. HINCKLEY and family, OSCAR LODGE, LEANDER LODGE, and HENRY ORCUTT. With the advent of the Rock Island Railroad, Mr. HINCKLEY became the agent for its lands, opened an office and did a very successful business. Settlers flocked from all directions. The original plat of the city of Walnut was surveyed and platted by the Allen Company. The first settlers in Walnut were: DR. PLINNY, D. HOLCOMB, D. HISON, and E.R. HINCKLEY.The first store was opened by LEANDER LODGE and the first postmaster was E.R.HINCKLEY. In 1877 Walnut received her charter as a city and the city officers were elected: Mayor, W.H.LINFOR; recorder, J.B.JOHNSON; marshall, ROBERT GILBREATH; city council J.H. HENRY, O.M. BRUCE, CHARLES LEBECK, I.T. SPANGLER, WM. HILL, J.B.JOHNSON. A flouring mill was built in 1872 by MOSES THUNS and CO. The Walnut News was established in 1878 by A.O. CRAMER. In 1875 the school was under the direction of MISS KATE WILLIAMS. The city government as of 1915 was: Mayor, E.C.THOMPSON; clerk, C.S.SPANGLER; city council J.B. JOHANNASEN, DR. MORRIS MOORE, ORRIS MOSHER,J.C. VOLLSTED, W.S.SANKEY, and N.H.LEWIS.