Biographical Sketch of

Hon. J. K. Walker

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 526 - 527 


Hon. J. K. Walker, a farmer of the town of Oasis, residing on section 22, is numbered among the early settlers 
of Waushara County, having made his home in this community for the long period of thirty-four years.  He was 
born in Poland, Maine, on the 5th of August, 1819, and is the son of James P. and Joanna (Snell) Walker, who 
were also natives of the Pine Tree State and were of English descent.  His paternal grandfather was descended 
from the Puritans and his maternal grandfather was a Massachusetts farmer.  James P. Walker was also a farmer 
by occupation, he following that business throughout his entire life.  He came to Waushara County, Wis., in 
1860, and settled in Wautoma, where both he and his wife spent their last days, the husband dying in 1874, at 
the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1879, at the age of eighty-two years.  Their family 
numbered eight children as follows:  Curtis, who came to Waushara County, in 1856, and died in Plainfield, Wis., 
in February, 1886; J. K., of this sketch; Phineas, who died in Wautoma in June, 1882; Delany, who died in Maine 
at the age of nineteen years; Harriet and Emily, both of whom died in Maine; Francis A., a resident farmer of 
the town of Oasis, Waushara County; Llewellyn S., a prominent merchant of Plainfield.
 
The subject of this sketch in his boyhood days attended the common schools of his native county, and aided his 
father in the labors of the farm.  He remained at home until twenty years of age when he started out in life 
for himself, and for two and a half years worked as a farm hand by the month.  He was industrious and economical 
and with the wages received he purchased a farm a farm near his boyhood home.  Shortly afterwards he married 
Miss Rosella S. Merrill, the wedding taking place on the 8th of October, 1843.  The lady is a native of 
Cumberland County, Me., and a daughter of Edward and Phoebe Merrill.  The young couple began their domestic 
life on the farm which Mr. Walker purchased and their home was blessed with the presence of four children there 
born unto them.  Alonzo H., their eldest, is a leading merchant of Wautoma; Delany is living in Plainfield; 
Ida M. is the wife of W. G. Trautman, a flour and feed merchant of Grafton, N. D.; Edgar S. died in infancy.  
Another child, Eddie, was born to them in Waushara County, and is at home with his parents.
 
From time to time Mr. Walker had received favorable reports of the West, and in 1855 determined to try his 
fortune on the broad prairies of Wisconsin.  Bidding good bye to his old home and his many friends in the East, 
in company with his family he emigrated to Waushara County, settling in the town of Wautoma, where he engaged 
in farming for a short time.
 
Later, Mr. Walker purchased land in the town of Rose, but after two years and a half removed to the town of 
Dakota, and in 1863, purchased his present farm on section 22 in the town of Oasis.  It comprised 160 acres, 
but only about fifty acres of that amount had been broken and the improvements consisted of a small frame 
dwelling.  It was no easy talk to transform the wild land into a highly cultivated farm, but possessing great 
energy and determination he at once began the work and has now one of the finest homes in the community.  As 
his financial resources increased he added to the original amount until his possessions now aggregate 260 acres.  
He raises an excellent grade of stock, keeps on hand the latest improved machinery, his fields are well tilled 
and his home with its entire surroundings indicates the care and supervision of an enterprising owner.
 
Although his time has been greatly occupied with his business interests, he has done much for the upbuilding 
and advancement of the community in which he has so long made his home, and is ranked among its prominent 
citizens.  He has given liberally toward the support of churches and schools, has identified himself with all 
that pertains to the best interests of the county, and has filled many public offices with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents.  He is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and in addition to 
local offices which he has held, represented his district in the General Assembly of Wisconsin during the 
sessions of 1875, 1876 and 1877.  His wise legislation called forth the justly merited commendation of his 
many friends and won recognition from even his political enemies.  He served on several important committees, 
including the committee on agriculture of which he was made chairman.
 
 




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