M. [Michael] Walker, a cooper and leading citizen of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., was born in Baltimore, Md., on September 21, 1831, and is the son of Benjamin and Ann (Blakley) Walker. Benjamin Walker was born in Hull, England, in 1784, and emigrated to America in 1829, and located at Baltimore. The mother was a native of York, England, and was born in 1799. The father was a potter by trade, and in 1834 removed to Milford, Ohio. He died in 1847. The mother died in 1878, in Cincinnati, Ohio. To the parents seven children were born; of whom only two survive. Our subject was reared in Milford, Ohio, and attended the schools of that place. He came to Indiana in 1854, and located in Indianapolis, and engaged in the coopering business. His establishment was destroyed in 1855, by fire, and then he came to Franklin and worked at his trade. In the year 1861, he opened a shop of his own, and has continued here up to the present, and together with his two sons, owns and operates the only cooperage establishments in Franklin. He was married in 1854, to Mary Andrews, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 20, 1833, and was the daughter of Thomas Andrews. She was a devout Christian, and a member of the Christian Church. She died July 5, 1885, leaving three children out of four born. The living children are: Alonzo B., now a citizen of Martinsville, Ind.; Ada B., living with her father, and Elmer E., a citizen of Franklin. Our subject is one of the most highly respected citizens of Franklin, and has served two terms in the city council. He is a great secret society man, and is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternities. Also a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Walker is a republican in politics, and has voted for every republican candidate for president of the United States.