James M. Walker

WALKER, TODD, PARSONS

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 10/25/2024 at 15:47:29

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, April 11, 1907
Page 1

James M. Walker was born in Scotland Feb. 6, 1846. When he was six years old his parents moved to London. His education was received in Scotland, however, where he made his home with an uncle until he was about fourteen years of age, when he came to America. He lived in Chicago with another uncle from 1860 to 1866, where he was engaged in the mercantile business. In the last named year he removed to Shirley, near Bloomfield, Ill., where he was engaged in mercantile business a good part of the time. As the representative of a well known firm of importers of fine horses, he made a number of trips to the old country, visiting Scotland, England and France. He was a close observer, a good traveler, and a fine conversationalist, when once his acquaintance was made. He had a fund of information and anecdote that made him splendid company. Those who came to know him were his friends, of whom he had a large circle here and at his old home Illinois, among whom he was privileged to make a long visit last fall with his wife and youngest daughter.

He was married to Miss Mary E. Todd, Nov. 17, 1881, at Shirley, Ill., by Rev. Geo. W. Minier. Four children were born to this happy union, three of whom with the wife and mother survive, one having died in infancy. The surviving children, all daughters, and all at home are. Agnes M., Irene and Marion E. Miss Alice Parsons, a niece, whose parents reside in Dakota, is also a member of the household, having made this her home for two or three years.

Close attention to business caused a serious failure of his health and he was compelled to close out his business along in the late nineties. In 1898 the family removed to Iowa, locating in this place, near which he purchased a farm. They built them a nice home in south Wapello several years ago where they have continued to reside and where his death occurred somewhat suddenly and unexpectedly last Saturday night, April 6, 1907, at about 10 o'clock; age 61 years and 2 months.

He was a member of Shirley lodge No. 562, A. F. and A. M., but never united with the local lodge here. Shortly after locating in Shirley he became a member of the Christian church, transferring his membership to the church here. He was quiet, steady going, good man, indulgent in the home, kind to neighbors, simple and with Scotch sincerity and steadfastness. His death, which seems untimely, came as a great shock to the family and friends. The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday, April 9, at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. Chas. Blanchard of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. J. P. Hehner, pastor of the German M. E. church, with interment in the Wapello cemetery.