My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN J. WALKER, section 19, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun county, Oct. 17, 1811. He was there reared and educated. He immigrated to Missouri in 1837, settling in Clark county, and was one of the first settlers in that locality. He was married there April 29, 1841, to Miss Ann Wells, a native of Kentucky. Of this union there are six children living. Their names are as follows: Mary E., widow of John W. Gray, born June 17, 1842; John L., born Jan. 10, 1846; William W., born Oct. 1, 1848; Kate A., wife of H. L. Courtney, born Aug. 9, 1853; Benjamin F., born Feb. 10, 1856; and Morris, born March 23, 1858. While a resident of that part of the state Mr. Walker took part in the Missouri and Iowa boundary troubles in 1840, and was made lieutenant in Colonel Dedman’s Clark County Regiment, called out by the governor at that time. His sword, worn by him on that occasion, was taken from his house during the late Rebellion by one of Bradford’s men (rebels). He became a resident of Jasper county in 1859, locating where he now lives, at a very unfortunate period, as events proved. The breaking out of the civil war caused him to move his family to Nebraska, staying there but one year; then going to his old home in Clark county; thence to Menard county, Ill., where he remained until the angel of peace once more hovered over the land, when he returned to Jasper county, since which time he has been quite prosperous. His farm consists of 200 acres, 160 acres being under good cultivation; he has a good substantial farm-house, fine bearing orchard of 300 apple trees, 1,000 peach trees; pears, cherries, and small fruits in abundance. In early life Mr. Walker became inculcated with the doctrine of Clay and Webster, to which he adhered faithfully until 1864, when he became identified with the Republican party, and has been an enthusiastic Greenbacker since the organization of that party.