William W. Walker

WILLIAM W. WALKER. One of the families of Lola township, Kansas, that can rightfully lay claim to distinction as being among the pioneer element in Cherokee County, is that of Mrs. Catherine Walker, now represented by herself and several stalwart sons, the father, William W. Walker, having died in 1882.

Mr. Walker was born in Clay County, Indiana, in 1822. He grew to manhood in the "Hoosier State," and there married Catherine Lints, the lady who now survives him and whose birth occurred November 22, 1832. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Renaud) Lints, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter, of Virginia. Mr. Walker was a son of Richard and Drusilla Walker, of Kentucky, and was one of a family of 10 children,—four boys and six girls.

Five sons and four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker. Mrs. Maria E. Dobbs, the eldest, is deceased; Henry C. and Robert manage the farm, and look after the interests of the home: James M. lives on the farm, and occupies a separate house; Mrs. Laura A. Payne is deceased: William S. is a farmer of Cherokee County; Charles W. lives in Pawhaska, Oklahoma; and Mrs. Ida M. Ingersoll and Mrs. Nellie M. Troop reside in Columbus, Kansas.

Mr. Walker followed agricultural pursuits during his lifetime. In 1875 he came to Kansas, using the wagon route, and taking six weeks to make the trip. The Walker farm comprises nearly 320 acres in section 12, township 33 range 21 and section 7, township 33, range 22, in Lola township. The breaking of the raw prairie, and the making of other early improvements occupied the father's attention until his death, since which time the widow and sons have worked to such advantage, that now they have a large farm under cultivation, and a good substantial farm house and buildings,—all standing as monuments to their hard labor, perseverance and energy.

Mr. Walker was a pensioner of the Mexican War, having served under Gen. Zachary Taylor. He was a stanch Whig, and although his party opposed the war, yet the chief military renown was won by it,—both Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott being Whigs.

Mr. Walker was a man of very liberal views, believing in working for principle and the right, regardless of friend or foe. He was possessed of many sterling qualities, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. The family which he left are all occupying responsible positions in life, which is due to the early training of the father, together with the excellent care of the mother in later years.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.