Alexander Walker

ALEXANDER WALKER,* one of the most popular and best known men in Cherokee County, was born in Washington County, Illinois, May 12, 1854. He is an extensive farmer and land owner. His present holdings aggregating 340 acres, about 160 of which comprise the home farm in section 24, township 32, range 21, in Sheridan township.

Nicholas Walker, his father, was a native of Johnson County, Illinois, and was a son of William Walker, of the same State. Nicholas Walker's wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Rule, was a native of Tennessee, having been born near Marshall. Nicholas Walker grew to manhood in Washington County, and followed the occupations of farming and stock-raising, and by his success proved himself to be a born farmer. In later years he became possessed of considerable property, among his acquisitions being an extensive farm and a large stone quarry. In 1866 he came to Kansas, locating on 160 acres of land in Sheridan township, Cherokee County, and one year later moved his family to the new home in the West. The country was wild, unbroken prairie and bottom land,—but a log cabin and stables were built, and the family proceeded to make the place habitable. From time to time more land was added to the original purchase, until he became possessed of 810 acres in Cherokee and Labette counties. Many improvements were made and all but 160 acres was sold before his death, which ocurred[sic] in Labette County, April 12, 1888; his wife survived him some five years, dying in February, 1893. He voted the Republican ticket but took no active interest in politics, although always interested in anything pertaining to the welfare of his township or county. The family numbered 14 children, six of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Dempsy R., a farmer of Labette County, Kansas; Alexander; Martha, wife of Matt. Nissley, both of whom died of fever in 1877; Kate, deceased; Margaret, wife of Aaron Greenfield, of McCune, Kansas; and Nicholas, who lives at Sherman City, Kansas.

Alexander Walker received his education in the schools at Sherman City. The first 29 years of his life were spent with his father on the farm. During youth and early manhood he worked on the farm and dealt in stock to some extent.

In February, 1881, Mr. Walker married Estella Montagne, of Washington County, Illinois, a daughter of Captain Montagne, who died shortly after the Civil War. Of the seven children born to this union, three are living, as follows: Fred, a farmer who is married and lives in Sheridan township; Annie, who died at the age of three years; Wayne, who died at the age of 14 months; Bertha and Harry.

In 1881, Mr. Walker bought 160 acres of wild land, only 27 acres of which were broken, the only building on the place being an old log cabin. Ten years were spent making improvements on this place, which he then sold and purchased the 160 acres where he now lives and a 40-acre tract in Labette County. All of the land is improved and under cultivation. Of another 160-acre tract owned by our subject, 110 acres are in pasture and low land. Mr. Walker manages his land himself, and each year raises many bushels of wheat, corn and oats besides raising large quantities of hay, having 60 acres devoted to meadow. Besides general farming, he is interested in the shipping of stock, of which he buys large numbers, besides raising graded stock. The shipping point for all the stock and products of this farm is Sherman City. Having inherited the instincts of the true farmer, and having become possessed of the real knowledge of farm management in his earlier training, our subject has all the dualities of the successful farmer of to-day.

His close attention to business, his upright dealings and his exemplary life in the community have won him more than ordinary regard. He has made true friends and many of them, and he is the highest esteem by all whom he meets. He is a Republican and a member of the A. H. T. A.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97