KSGenWeb Digital Library Biographical Sketch of Wilson M. Walker Atchison County, Kansas

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The following transcription is from a 750 page book titled "Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas, dated 1900.  These have been diligently transcribed and generously contributed by Penny R. Harrell, please give her a very big Thank You for her hard work!

Wilson M. Walker, the cashier of the State Bank of Effingham, was born in the village of Shelocta, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1849, a son of Alexander and Martha (Speedy) Walker, both natives of the Keystone state.

Alexander Walker was a carpenter and builder, which trade he followed for a period of thirty years.  His father was Robert Walker, who also was a native of Pennsylvania.  Of the maternal grandfather of our subject we record that his name was Hugh M. Speedy, and that he was of Scotch descent, the family having been transplanted in this country several generations ago.

Wilson M. Walker spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native state and received his education in the district schools.  At the age of fifteen he commenced clerking in a general store, an occupation in which he was engaged two years.

In 1868 he came west to the state of Kansas, stopping first in the village of Effingham, and soon afterward locating upon a farm a mile and a half southwest of the town.  He improved and placed under cultivation one hundred and sixty acres of land, and carried on general farming and stock raising successfully until 1892, when he left the farm and came to town.

Here he engaged in the lumber business, in partnership with Gilbert Campbell, under the firm name of Campbell & Walker, an association which continued until 1897.  Mr. Campbell was succeeded by P. Killey, and the firm became Walker & Killey.

With extensive yards and sheds and carrying a large stock of lumber and all kinds of builders' material, they did a large and constantly increasing business, but in the fall of 1899 Mr. Walker sold his interest to Mr. Killey, and became cashier of the State Bank.

Mr. Walker has accumulated considerable property, and has various interests.  He first served as the vice-president of the State Bank of Effingham for several years, and was then made its cashier.  He owns and occupies one of the finest residences in the city.  Mr. Walker has always taken an interest in public affairs.

In 1888, while living on his farm, he was elected as a Republican to represent his county in the state legislature, and served through the session of 1889, being a member of several important committees, including that on ways and means.  He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of both Washington Chapter and Washington Commandery at Atchison.

He was married, in 1875, to Miss Lavina Green, of Atchison county, Kansas, who had come here from her native state, Ohio.  She is a daughter of Mark and Lucy J. (Richards) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have two children, a daughter and son, Martha and Mark A., both at home.

Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2004 01:03:56

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