Walker, John Child 1830-1906

WALKER, MINARD, TAYLOR, CHAFEE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 2/25/2014 at 09:44:55

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 1906

J.C. WALKER

The funeral service over the remains of John C. Walker, who died at his home in this city Saturday night, were held at the Congregational church yesterday afternoon at half past two o'clock. They were conducted by the Rev. E.M. Vittum and music was furnished by the Iowa College quartette. Previous to the public services, brief private services were held at the residence.

At the church Mr. Vittum paid a very fitting tribute to the fine character of the deceased, speaking as follows:

John Child Walker was born in Bath, N.H., Oct. 10, 1830. His father died when he was ten years old. He lived on the paternal farm, caring for his mother as long as she lived. At the age of 34 he was married, and in 1872 removed to Grinnell, where he has since resided. After the death of his wife, he contracted a second marriage and leaves six sons, 3 daughters, 10 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. One daughter died in infancy.

Few people in Grinnell were better known than he. One reason was perhaps that his business was such for years that he come into contact with many different people. More than this, he had a good memory for names and faces.

He saw the bright side of things, and the funny side of things; but he never forgot for a moment the deep meaning of human life.

As a musician his natural talents were of the highest order. No scientifically trained ear among us was more sensitive to what is finest to harmony and melody,--at the same time he lacked the critical prejudices of some particular school which the professional musician can hardly avoid. He was self trained, yet his voice had that purity of tone and exactness of execution which is usually acquired by long study and practice under a teacher, and no one in our circle was more generous in using his voice--often with his time added--for the good of the community. In the church, at funerals, on many occasions, he was foremost in this respect. And his marvelous voice never grew old. You remember that during our Union meetings last winter he sang a solo with that old-time purity and exactness of tone, and with much of the old-time vigor. His voice lacked the power of younger years somewhat, but it was just as clear, pure, exact and unshaken up to the last month of his life.

He was a faithful christian. He was deacon of this church for over 28 years. The first time I met him, was at Cedar Rapids 15 years ago, when he had been sent by this church to see if there was any one in that city fitted to become your pastor. He was a charitable Christian. He had no sympathy with anything which was not genuine and true; but he was above the petty criticisms of little souls which is responsible for so much evil in the house of God.

A wife and nine children survive him, seen of whom were present when his remains were laid to rest in Hazelwood cemetery yesterday. They were Leonard Walker of this city, C.E. Walker of Pomona, Calif., Mrs. Alice Walker Minard of Fostoria, Ernest W. Walker of Blaine, Wash., M. Chafee Walker of New West Minster, Canada, George H. walker and Caroline Walker of this city. Those who were unable to be present were Mrs. Bessie Walker Taylor who is in Canada and John Walker who is in Pomona, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Taylor of Evanston, Ill., were also her for the funeral services.