Page 23 3/4

    JOHN P. WALKER, a prominent citizen of this county and now residing in Grandview, was one of the early settlers of the county. He came to Iowa first in 1838, but settled in this county in 1840. He was born on the 16th day of June, 1824, in Scotland, near Edinburgh. He was the only child of Wm. Walker and Barberry Patterson. His mother came to America in 1827, and settled in Trumbull County, Ohio; but his father died in Scotland. The early education of John was merely in the elementary branches pertaining to an English education, and he was early inured to labor.

    At the age of fifteen he started out in life for himself, and worked for two years by the month in Illinois. He came to this county in 1840, and settled in Grandview Township, where he has since resided, and where in all probability he will pass the balance of his days. Mr. Walker started in life poor, but by dint of perseverance, industry, and integrity, has acquired property and a reputation in the community as a man of the strictest probity and integrity.

    On the 23d day of July, 1846, he was united in marriage to Rachel A. McCleary, the widow of John C. McCleary. Her maiden name was Rachel A. Dickey. She was the daughter of Wm. Dickey, for some years deceased, and one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of five children, four of whom are living.

    Politically, he is a strong republican; has always been remarkable for the enthusiasm with which he has supported the correct tenets of the great Republican Party. Religiously, he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church; was raised in this church, and his parents were people who were devoted to the United Presbyterian Church. Socially, Mr. Walker is pleasant, affable, and courteous. He has always led a life of temperance and industry. Temperance in language, action, and social intercourse, is rather with him a rule of conduct. His constitution is yet robust.