Marion Emily Walker 1836-1922

WALKER, RONALD, JONES

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 10/2/2023 at 05:57:42

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, March 16, 1922
Page 1

Mrs. J. P. Walker, who enjoyed the distinction of being the first white girl born in Louisa county, passed away at her home in Grandview, Sunday, March 12, 1922, after a brief illness. Mrs. Walker, whose maiden name was Marion Emily Ronald, was born in Louisa county, December 5, 1836. Her father, John Ronald was a man of prominence in the early history of the state and was one of the commissioners who aided in locating the state capital at Iowa City.

The daughter was unusually gifted and grew to womanhood among the trials and discomforts of pioneer days. She had the distinction of being the first college bred lady in the county. During the days of the Civil war she was principal of the Grandview schools. Early in life she united with the United Presbyterian church and remained a devoted communicant for many years. She was an active teacher in the Sabbath school. She taught a Bible class for over 70 years.

For a number of years following the war she ran a drug store in Grandview and later was united in marriage to Dr. S. E. Jones, who died a dew years afterward. To them one daughter was born, May Jones who survives to mourn her death. In 1881 she was united in marriage to J. P. Walker who died in 1912. Funeral services were held at Grandview Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Vetter, assisted by Rev. R. W. Jamison, of Columbus City and interment was made in the Grandview cemetery.