My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. THOMAS A. WALKER, senior member of the firm of T. A. Walker & Son, proprietors of the Lake View Hotel at St. Joseph, was born in Acton, Halton County, Canada, June 28, 1839. He is the third among eight children born to the union of Thomas A. and Eleanor (Swackhamer) Walker, natives of Canada, the father having been engaged in farming pursuits there during his entire active life. Thomas A. received a common-school education in his native county, and during the summer seasons aided in the work on the home farm. At the age of eighteen years he came to Michigan, where he has since resided.

Locating in St. Joseph in 1858, our subject engaged for a time in contracting and building, and many of the structures erected by him at that time are still standing in St. Joseph and throughout Berrien and the adjoining counties. At the opening of the Civil War he enlisted, in 1861, his name being enrolled as a member of Company B, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, which was assigned to the Western army, Col. Quinn commanding the regiment. He took an active part in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, the capture of Little Rock, the engagements at Middleboro, Hatchie River, and numerous others of minor importance. For meritorious conduct upon the field of battle he was promoted in 1863 to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and for a time commanded the company, which position he resigned in October of 1864.

Upon his return to St. Joseph, our subject engaged in running tugs for George Walker & Co., Colby & Co. and the Graham & Morton Transportation Co. In 1880 he took charge of the Gartley House, at Benton Harbor, and later became proprietor of the American House, at the same place. Upon disposing of his interests in that city, he came to St. Joseph, in 1884, and, purchasing the Lake View Hotel, has since given his attention to its management. The house is a fine three-story brick structure, containing two hundred rooms, elegantly furnished throughout and supplied with all the modern conveniences. The location is one of great beauty, being on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan as well as the city itself. Recently Capt. Walker has given his attention quite extensively to contracting and building and is now one of the largest contractors in southwestern Michigan.

The marriage of Capt. Walker took place December 25, 1860, at which time he was united with Miss Evaline, daughter of Benjamin Johnson, of Benton Township, Berrien County. The family consists of three children: William A., who is his father’s partner in the hotel business; Arthur M. and Byron J. The Captain is an active member of Burnett Lodge No. 119, I. O. O. F., and the George H. Thomas Post No. 14, G. A. R. In his political belief, he adheres to the principles and platform of the Democratic party and has served as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee and Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Committee. An active and enthusiastic politician, he takes a prominent part in local, county and State politics, and is recognized as among the influential members of his party in this part of the State. In addition to his hotel, he is the owner of other valuable city property and also a well-improved farm in this county.