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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jefferson County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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William H. Walker, dairyman and merchant, of De Soto, was born in Jefferson County, Mo., in 1839, and is a son of William G. and Elizabeth (Null) Walker. William G. Walker, a native of Tennessee, and of Scotch descent, came to Jefferson County, Mo., on horseback when twenty-one years of age; he entered 640 acres of land in Valle Township, three and one-half miles southeast of De Soto, and in connection with farming was engaged in merchandising on his farm; he sold goods four years, and in 1857 sold out to Hamilton Reppy, who moved the store to De Soto, in which place he was the first merchant. Mrs. Elizabeth Walker was a daughter of William Null, and died in 1860. In a family of nine children, William H. was the first child. He was reared on a farm, which occupation he followed until 1883; he owned 120 acres south of the old homestead, which he sold, and established a dairy in De Soto. The latter he has since successfully conducted, and keeps on an average twenty cows. In November, 1887, he engaged in merchandising in connection with his dairy business. In October, 1858, he married Miss Adeline, daughter of Robert McMullen, who was one of the pioneers of Jefferson County. Mrs. Walker was born in Jefferson County in 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker nine children have been born, viz.: Cora, wife of George Cape; Ella, wife of John Hultz; Haddie, Mary, Katie, Georgia, Willie, Nellie and John. Mr. Walker served as alderman of De Soto three and one-half years, and as mayor six months. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 224 biographies included in The History of Jefferson County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Jefferson County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Jefferson County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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