Biographical Sketch of

Phineas Walker

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 616 - 617


Phineas Walker, deceased, was born in Poland, Maine, on the 18th of December, 1820, and was a son of James P. 
and Johanna (Snell) Walker.  He grew to manhood in his native State, receiving in its common schools a liberal 
education.  At length he determined to try his fortune in the West and chose the new State of Wisconsin as the 
scene of his future labors.  Leaving his old home in the Pine Tree State in 1851, he emigrated to Waushara 
County, settling in Wautoma, where he made his home until his death.  Four years later, in 1856, he was joined 
in wedlock with Miss Mary Stratton, a most estimable lady, and a daughter of Gardner and Clarissa (Bemis) 
Stratton, who are numbered among the early settlers of Waushara County.  By their union were born four children, 
who are yet living, namely:  Nelly, George P., Hattie and Arthur.  George is now engaged in the hardware business.  
Gardner Stratton was born in Chenango County, N. Y., married Clarissa Bemis and together with his family settled 
in Wautoma, in 1850, where both yet reside.

Mr. Walker was called to his final rest June 17, 1882, dying of consumption.  In 1879, his health began to fail 
him and symptoms of the disease were discovered.  Urgently advised by his friends to do so, and believing that 
he might possibly be benefited thereby, he spent the winter of 1880 in Florida, but on his return home his friends 
could discover no perceptible change for the better.  Gradually he grew weaker until at length the flame of life 
flickered and went out.  His remains were interred in the Cemetery near Wautoma on Sunday, June 18, 1882, a large 
concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends following him to his last resting place, where they consigned his 
body to the cold earth and his spirit to the God who gave it.

Mr. Walker was a man of strong convictions and when he had determined that the course which he was pursuing was 
a right one, nothing could cause him to swerve from that path.  In political sentiment he was a stalwart supporter 
of the Democratic party but accorded to all the right of determining for themselves the principles which they 
wished to advocate.  He exerted his influence for the promotion of the social, educational and moral interests 
of the community and lived a life of such uprightness and honesty that his word was as readily received as his 
bond.  Charitable and benevolent, he was always ready to help those upon whom misfortune had laid a heavy hand 
and the poor and needy were never turned away from his door without taking with them a substantial testimony of 
his sympathy.  In his business career he was quite successful, owing to his industry and close attention to all
details, and left his family in comfortable circumstances.  The name of such a man is well worthy of perpetuation 
by such a record and it affords us great pleasure to insert his sketch.  The family of Mr. Walker is still living 
in Wautoma, where they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and are held in high regard.






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