Biographical Sketch of

Clark S. Walker

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 704 - 705 - 706 


Clark S. Walker, who resides on section 23, Manchester Township, is one of the prominent citizens of Green Lake County.  
He has been identified with the growth and progress of the community, has aided in the advancement and has ever borne 
his part in its upbuilding.  Few men have taken a deeper or more active interest in its welfare, which fact justly 
entitles him to an honored place in this volume.  He is not only well-known throughout this county but his acquaintance 
extends through surrounding counties, and by all he is held in the highest regard.
 
His birth occurred in Charlestown, N. H., on the 22d of Nov. 1828.  He was the only son of Stephen and Keziah (Converse) 
Walker, but three daughters were born unto them.  Only two of the family, however, are now living--Annette K., the sister, 
being now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa.  She is the wife of J. G. Haskin, a prominent banker of that city and they are 
ranked among its leading citizens; Mary became the wife of George Blaisdell, and died at her home in Manchester Township, 
this county; while Alice F., the remaining daughter, died at the home of her parents when eighteen years of age.
 
No event of any very great importance marked the early life of our subject.  His boyhood days were passed mid play and 
work and his education was acquired in the district schools.  In the spring of 1851 we find the Walker family en route 
for the West, and accompanying his parents was Clark S.  The party embarked at Buffalo for Milwaukee and while on the 
water one of the most fearful storms which ever swept over the face of the lake occurred.  The vessel withstood the 
strain however, and on the 2d of May, reached its destination.  When Milwaukee was reached Mr. Walker hired teams to 
convey his family to Green Lake County, where a home had been provided for them.  He had previously purchased 125 acres 
of land on section 23, Manchester Township, upon which the previous year a house had been erected by his brother so that 
all would be comfortable and in readiness for the emigrants.  That house is still the home of our subject and little 
alteration has been made.  On the 4th of May, our subject reached the claim.  The rest of the family had halted about 
ten miles from the farm, where they rested through the night, coming on to their new home on the 5th.  The change indeed 
was very great and the wild and uncultivated claim bore little resemblance to the finely developed farm in New Hampshire.  
Not a fence had been built and with the exception of the house, no improvements had been made and the virgin soil was yet 
unturned by the plow.  Not many days passed however, ere our subject could have been seen in work-day attire driving four 
yoke of oxen to a plow used in breaking prairie.  Little by little the land was cultivated until at length every acre of 
the farm yielded tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it.
 
About this time, a very important event in the life of Mr. Walker occurred.  He had formed a strong attachment for Miss 
Susan A. Hoit, and on the 27th of October, 1853, he led her to the marriage altar, where the union of hearts was consummated 
by the union of hands.  The lady is also a native of New Hampshire and on the same day on which her husband was born, she 
opened her eyes to the light of the world in Southampton.  Her parents were Joseph and Charlotte (Cate) Hoit, both of whom 
were descendants of old Puritan ancestry.  The mother was born in Stratham, N. H. and died in Southampton, being interred 
in the burying ground on the old homestead in Stratham.  Afterward, Mr. Hoit, in 1846, came to Green Lake County, entering 
a claim on which he made his home for many years.  He died at the residence of his son in Ripon, at the advanced age of 
ninety years and six months.  Plain and unassuming in manner, his life was one of the greatest uprightness and commanded 
the respect and confidence of all.  He served his country in the War of 1812 and was a citizen which any community could 
ill afford to lose.  Like him, his wife, who was a faithful member of the Christian Church, was greatly beloved by those 
who knew her.  They were parents of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, while six are yet living, 
namely; Charles W., of Sacramento, Cal.; Mary, wife of John Simmons, a fruit-grower of Sacramento; Charlotte, widow of 
William Lincoln of Racine County, Wis.; Nathan, who was for many years County Superintendent of the schools of Green Lake 
County and is now residing in Ripon; and the honored wife of our subject.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Walker began their domestic life upon the farm which has now for thirty-six years been their home.  He at 
once took charge of the farm, thus relieving his father from all care and now his land is one of the best cultivated 
tracts in the county.  His parents made their home with the young couple until their death, but the mother did not long 
remain.  She died in 1853 and was survived by her husband twelve years, his death occurring in 1865.  They were buried 
in the cemetery on the farm, which is one of the neatest and prettiest cemeteries in the State.  The care and attention 
which has been bestowed upon it shows that the loved ones who have passed away are not forgotten, but still linger in 
the memory of their children.
 
Mr. Walker is one of the most successful farmers in Green Lake County.  His success is not alone due to his business 
ability but his possessions have been acquired by toil, perseverance and energy.  He extended the boundaries of his 
farm until at one time his landed possessions aggregated 830 acres, but that amount has been reduced as he gave to 
his children when they left the parental roof for homes of their own.  Five sons completed the family circle, as 
follows:  Milan E., who was born April 8, 1855; Charles H., Dec. 27, 1856; John A., April 8, 1859; Elwin C., Jan. 11, 
1864; and Frank C., Sept. 1, 1865.  The eldest, who is now engaged in farming in Manchester Township, wedded Jennie 
Kempton, by whom he had three children, Guy and Alice are yet living, Roy died at the age of three years.  Charles H. 
and John A. are now operating 245 acres of land in Manchester Township, constituting one of the most beautiful farms 
in the county.  The latter is married, having wedded Julia W. Walker, of Springfield, Vt.  All have received good 
educational advantages, having thereby been fitted for the practical duties of life and are useful members of society.
 
Mr. Walker is not only numbered among the early settlers of the county, but has experienced the hardships and trials 
of frontier life, the first few years of his residence in the community having been passed in true pioneer style.  Roads 
were in poor condition and they had to drive long distances to mill and market.  Oxen were used for farm labor and the 
harvesting was done with a sickle and cradle.  Now the most improved machinery is found upon his farm and there can also 
be seen the best grades of stock, including forty head of Hambletonian horses.  Growth and progress have been steadily 
carried forward all over the county, and the work of public improvement has been pushed forward so rapidly that it seems 
almost incredible to the visitor of to-day that only fifty years ago the county was wholly unsettled.  Mr. Walker has 
ever borne his part in the work of advancing the interests of the community and he has also aided liberally in the 
promotion of educational, social and moral interests.  He is charitable and benevolent and contributes freely to the 
support of churches.  He attends the Universalist Church, but has assisted all other denominations and gave to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church three acres of land for a cemetery.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Walker is noted for its 
hospitality and sociability.  The many friends of the worthy couple delight in visiting them and are sure of a hearty 
greeting and warm reception.  The mistress, who is a most estimable lady presides with much grace and has the tact of 
making each guest feel at ease.






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