My Genealogy Hound

James E. Walker, overseer of the Miller County poor-house, was born in Wayne County, Ky., April 10, 1849, and is the son of George W. and Polly (Coughron) Walker, both natives of Wayne County, Ky. The father was a painter by trade, and this he carried on most of his time. He went to California at quite an early date, and has never been heard from since. The mother died in Kentucky. They were the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest and only one now living. He was left an orphan when quite small, and was principally reared among strangers. He was reared to farm labor, and this has been his chief occupation through life. In 1869 he went to Warren County, Ill., and remained there for three years. In 1872 he came to Miller County, Mo., locating near Pleasant Mount, where he farmed for some time. In January, 1888, he was appointed overseer of the poor-farm, and holds that position until 1890. The poor-farm has now seven inmates, which is the average number. Mr. Walker was married in 1875 to Miss Mary E. Lawson, by whom he has six children: Aurora, Lenora, Cora, Walter, Ollie and Alonzo. Mr. Walker conducts the poor-farm, and has fifty-five acres of land under cultivation. He has filled the position of overseer in an able and efficient manner, and to the satisfaction of all concerned.