William M. Walker, who resides at Winnebago Station, in Oshkosh township,
is a native of New York state and the son of William and Jane (Moody)
Walker. He was born at Utica, Oneida county, New York, on June 10, 1847.
His parents came to the United States from England in 1842, and settled in
New York, where they remained until 1853, then came to Wisconsin and
settled on a farm in the southwest part of Winnebago county and followed
their chose profession for some twelve years, when they sold out and
retired from active business. Mr. Walker died in 1901, at the ripe old age
of eighty-six years. The mother died in 1898, at the age of eight-one
years. They were honorable and upright citizens and highly respected by
their many friends throughout the community.
William was educated in the common schools of his district, and at the
breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted in 1863 in Company B, Forty-first
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted in Company B, Forty-seventh
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served under "Pap" Thomas in the Army of
the West until the close of the war, participating in the battles of
Memphis, Tennessee and Holly Springs, Mississippi.
In 1871 he married Miss Maria Steele, daughter of Noah Levings and Maria
(Vedder) Steele, who was born in New York. Noah L. Steele was born in
Massachusetts, and as early as 1850 settled in Winnebago county. Mr. and
Mrs. Walker have three children-- Harry Levings and Courtland L. now live
at San Francisco, California, and Eleanor resides at home, and is still a
student.
Mr. Walker established the station of Winnebago in Oshkosh township, and
for twenty years was ticket agent at the State Hospital, or Winnebago
Station. He also filled the office of postmaster at this place during that
whole period, with the exception of two years. He is an extensive holder
of real estate, nearly all the properties of Winnebago Station being owned
by him, besides which he owns 700 acres of timber land. For the last
twelve years he has been engaged in the merchandising business, owning and
conducting a store at Winnebago Station.
In politics Mr. Walker is with the Republican party, and has served some
time as a director on the school board.
Fraternally he is a Mason and a member of Sheridan Post No. 10, Grand Army
of the Republic.
Mr. Walker is a man of pleasing address, a loyal citizen and a fine
gentleman.
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