My Genealogy Hound

Luther Walker is recognized as one of the prosperous agriculturists of this region, where he was born in 1855. His grandfather, Hardiman Walker, was one of the early pioneers of Missouri, and was residing near Cotton Plant, in that State, during the earthquakes of 1811. His son, John Walker, was born in the State of Virginia, and at the age of about fifteen years began to hunt and trap in the woods of Missouri, and until about twenty-five years of age, followed this occupation for his father, having under his management several Indians, who were expert trappers and hunters. At the above mentioned age, he was married to Miss Sarah Chadwick, who was born in Ohio, and moved to Hickman Bend, where he settled on some land and began farming in a limited way, being also engaged in operating a wood-yard until 1861, at which date he removed to Chickasawba Township, and bought 160 acres near where Blythesville is now situated. On this tract he made some valuable improvements, in the way of buildings, and here resided until his death, in 1876, his wife having died in 1860. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Luther is the fifth, and after his father’s removal to Chickasawba Township, he went to Illinois, and made his home with an uncle for ten years. During this period his time was employed in assisting at farm labor, and in attending school; he also traveled some through Iowa and Minnesota with his relatives, but upon the settlement of his uncle in Northwest Missouri, he returned to his father’s home in Arkansas, and the same year made a crop on his father’s plantation. The next year he came down the river and rented land above Barfield, on which he lived until 1882, then went to Blythesville and purchased a lot, and built a house in the village. In 1883 he purchased a tract of land comprising sixty-six acres, on which he cleared fifteen acres and resided until three years ago, since which time he has resided in Barfield. He now has 320 acres, with 100 under cultivation, which will yield a bale of cotton to the acre. The dwelling house is in excellent condition, and near it is a fine apple and peach orchard. His marriage to Miss Bell Buckner was celebrated in 1874, but she died the following year, and in 1878, he wedded Kittie Buckner, a sister of his first wife, and a daughter of Bill Buckner, an old pioneer of this section. The last union has resulted in the birth of four children: Billie, Maud, Lizzie, and Berde Jesamine. Mr. Walker has always been a patron of education, and is now serving as school director.