My Genealogy Hound

CHRISTOPHER C. WALKER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23; P. O. New Madison. Of the successful farmers of Harrison Township, Mr. C. C. Walker is probably the most extensive stock-raiser; he makes a specialty of fine cattle and Poland-China hogs; he was born in Baltimore County, Md., Aug. 23, 1829, and brought to Darke County by his parents, Christopher and Hannah (Marshall) Walker; they first settled in Butler Township; he remained at home until after he became 21 years of age, receiving such an education as an attendance of two to three months in the year at the common schools of that day would afford; in 1851, he entered as equal partner in a store at Braffettsville, and soon afterward his brother Daniel purchased the other half, and they continued the business together about seven years. Jan. 27, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C., daughter of Thomas C. and Nancy Brawley, natives of Virginia and pioneers of Darke County; Miss Mary was born in Harrison Township Oct. 20, 1834; they first kept house in Braffettsville; in 1858, Mr. Walker became dissatisfied with his store experience, sold out the store, and they removed to a farm near Braffettsville; in 1862, he purchased and they removed to the farm upon which they now reside; from 1862 to 1866, he was engaged with his brothers Edwin and Daniel in buying and shipping hogs, but the decline in price caused them to lose heavily, and they abandoned it, and he has since devoted himself to farming and raising stock, the latter being a specialty; during the last year, he has erected a fine barn, 60x48 feet, with an L 54x40 feet, the whole conveniently arranged for the accommodation of stock; this barn needs only to be seen to be appreciated; it is the best the writer ever saw on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of nine children, viz.: Nellie, born April 29, 1855; Lon C., Feb. 27, 1857; Minnie, Oct. 28, 1858; Douglas, May 21, 1860; Thomas C., Jan. 20, 1862, died Aug 7, 1862; Harry G., born June 29, 1863; Nancy, April 17, 1865; a daughter born Dec. 15 and died Dec. 29, 1867; and Mary, born Dec. 6, 1868. Their family, with two exceptions are grown to manhood and womanhood, and are still under the paternal roof. Mr. Walker now owns 75 acres in Preble County and 150 in Harrison Township, besides the home farm of 400 acres; his residence is situated on an eminence bordering the beautiful little valley of East Fork, a branch of the Whitewater River; this branch runs through a portion of the farm and affords excellent and abundant water for his stock. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are sociable, agreeable people, and highly respectable citizens.