Mrs. Julia A Walker, Oakland,
Iowa, sends the following article telling of the death of Mr.
K Walker, Jr. We were very sorry to learn of his death and our
hearts go out to his
daughter, Mrs. Hazel McKnight, Minnekahta, S. Dak., and to all
members of his family in
their great sorrow. Following is the article above referred to,
which appeared in the
October 30th issue of the “Hot Springs Star”:
K Walker, Jr., was buried in the Home cemetery Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. Walker died
unexpectedly early Saturday morning, following a short illness
which, it was thought, had
not reached a critical stage. He was well known in the Sanitarium,
where he has been a
member at various times since 1911; and was also well acquainted
in this locality, as he
has made his home near Minnekahta for several years. Mr. Walker
was a veteran of the
Spanish-American war and the Philippine insurrection and leaves
many friends among his
comrades in the Home.
GOOD MAN GOES TO HIS REWARD
K WALKER SUCCUMBS AFTER LINGERING ILLNESS
A Man Who Followed the Teachings of Christ In Ministering to the
Needy
Mr. K Walker, one of Oakland's most highly respected citizens,
is no more. Death came to him on Sunday evening and he passed
from the things on earth to that kingdom beyond the skies, where
he will have his reward for the long and efficient service of
his earthly like. The end was peaceful and not entirely unexpected.
He had been failing slowly for several weeks and it was known
that the end was approaching.
The passing of this good man has caused expressions of regret
by the entire community. His life was an exemplification of the
teachings of Jesus Christ when He was upon earth. He went about
doing good, ministering to the sick and the needy.
One of the notable works of his life has been his connection with
the Christian Home o Council Bluffs: For twenty-five years he
interested others with himself in behalf of that institution.
He went from home to home soliciting aid for the fatherless,
motherless, helpless little children. It was a noble work.
Mr. Walker was born at Newport, Vt., June 26, 1839, and was 73
years, 2 months, and 19 days at the time of his death. In 1839,
he came as far west as Boone County, Ia, where for some time he
taught school. In 1860, in company with others, he continued
westward as far as Pike's Peak, Colo. On his return, he went into
Missouri, where he remained until the breaking out of the war,
at which time he returned to his former home in Vermont, enlisting
in the Army of the North October 2, 1862. He served a period
of nine months, receiving an honorable discharge, and was mustered
out August 5, 1863.
He was united in marriage to Julia A. Bickford at Newport, Vt.,
October 11, 1863. To this union were born five children, two
dying in infancy. Those surviving the father are as follows:
Rozine Miler of Pomona, Mo., K Walker, Jr., of Bonesteel, S.D.,
and Fred Walker of Colfax, Ia. The loving wife and mother was
called by death June 6, 1877.
He came with his family to Iowa in 1870 and settled on a farm
about three miles west of Oakland, known then as Big Grove, where
he continued to reside until the year 1907, when he removed to
the home in Oakland. In 1894 he was united in marriage to Julia
a Gilbert, who survives him.
In 1859 he was converted to Christ and united with the M.E. Church.
Later, on coming to Iowa, he united with the Church of Christ
at Oakland, ever living a devoted Christian life.
For many years he was active in community affairs. Some years
ago when his health failed he resigned the offices that he was
filling at that time. Up to that time he had been secretary of
the school board, secretary of the Belknap Burial association
and justice of the peace. For years he has been an honored member
and chaplain of William Layton Post, G.A. R.
Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Wednesday at 1:30pm.,
conducted by his pastor, P.H. Green, assisted by Rev. B.J Rhodes
of the Congregational church and Rev. E.H. Heverly of the Evangelical
Church. The pall bearers are members of the William Layton Post,
G.A.R., as follows: S.M. Hildebrand, J.L. Caldwell, Paul Beezley,
John Rodweell, H. B. Crofts and Henry Caspecken. Members of the
Christian church choir furnished the music and were as follows:
Chris Morris, Tessie Morris, Mary Davis, Orpha Kinsey, Mae Williams.
Internment was made in Oaklawn.
Relatives and friends present from a distance were: K Walker
and Solon Walker of Bonesteel, S.D.; Fred Walker of Colfax, Ia;
Bade Hurst and Ed Gilbert of Woodward, Ia; Ed Hunt of Omaha, Neb.