Born in Jersey City, N. J., May 21, 1826. His parents, who were worthy pioneers of Louisa County, were Patrick and Hannah (Timmony) Colton, natives of the North of Ireland. William A. removed with his parents to Adams County, Pa., in childhood, and in 1842 came with them to Iowa. They located in Columbus City Township in that portion which afterward became Union Township. In 1849 he began the study of medicine but the gold fever of that period excited his ambition to suddenly achieve wealth, and he joined a party of California emigrants, and crossed the plains to that land of high hopes and many disappointments. After spending three years in the gold fields in mining with rather indifferent success, he returned to Iowa in 1853, and formed a partnership with Dr. William M. Clark in the drug business, under the firm name of Clark & Colton. He resumed the study of medicine, attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk, Iowa, was graduated in the class of '55, and then entered upon the practice of his profession at Columbus City. In 1802 Dr. Clark decided to remove to Colorado, and sold his interest in the drug business to Dr. Colton, who carried on the business alone until 1867, when he sold out and removed to Des Moines, where he was engaged in the drug business nine years. In 1876 he came to Columbus Junction, and was engaged in the same business at that place until he was elected to the position of cashier of the Louisa County National Hank, on the 11th of January, 1878, which position he held continuously since, with credit to himself and profit to the bank. Mr. Colton was twice married, first at Columbus City, in July, 1856, to Miss Mary A. Weir, daughter of Samuel Weir, of Lee County. Iowa. Mrs. Colton's death occurred in April, 1872. Dr. Colton was married again in November, 1873 to Miss Matilda Harrison, a daughter of Joseph Harrison. Dr. Colton is a Democrat in political sentiments, and has held various official positions of honor and trust. He was elected Clerk of Columbus City Township in 1854, and chosen County Treasurer of Louisa County for the term of 1858-59. He was elected to the Eighteenth General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature in the Republican district, and served with honor to himself and family to the best interests of the people. Dr. Colton has taken a warm interest in educational matters, and served six years as School District Treasurer. He was also Town Treasurer, and has held that position continuously since 1880, covering a period of eight years. Dr. Colton is an earnest and consistent Mason, and was for years a recognized leader of the fraternity in the city where he resided. He was made a Mason in Columbus City Lodge No. 107, at Columbus City, Iowa, and received the blaster degree at the regular communication of July 12, 1858. His interest in the fraternity and proficiency in the work led to his rapid promotion from subordinate positions to the Master's chair in 1860. He was re-elected at each succeeding election and served until 1867, inclusive, with the exception of one year, when he declined to serve as Master and was chosen Tyler. On his removal to Des Moines in 1867 he demitted from Columbus City Lodge, and was admitted to membership in Pioneer Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M., of that city, in which he served two years as Master. On his return to Louisa County he resumed membership with his old lodge, of which he was elected Master the following year, 1877, and was elected to that position at each succeeding election for eleven terms. The Doctor served one term as Treasurer of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa, and one term as Senior G. D.