Lewis R. Walker was born in the village of Princeton, May 7, 1856, and has the distinction of being the first child born in the village who has resided there continuously since his birth. He was born one year before the village was incorporated, and obtained his early education at the public schools. When he grew to manhood he learned the carpenter's trade and followed that vocation with the exception of two years devoted to farming - until he embarked in the mercantile business in a small frame house, where his present store building stands. Beginning with a stock which would have invoiced about six hundred dollars, during the past fourteen years he has been engaged in business he has built up the most extensive trade of any house in the County outside of Davenport. He now carries a large general stock of goods, consisting of groceries, hardware, agricultural implements, and in fact everything which people expect to find in a country store. He is also the only funeral director with a hearse between Davenport and Clinton; operates a first-class meat market, and owns and has cultivated two large farms in Princeton Township.
He started in business with limited means, but he had good judgment, sagacity and enterprise, and has succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectations of his friends. A handsome two-story brick block is one of the improvements for which Princeton is indebted to him, and his beautiful residence is also worthy of mention in this connection. Surrounded by attractive grounds, it overlooks the Mississippi river and is an ideal village homestead.
Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Theresea L. Schloeffel, June 28, 1877, and their union has been blessed with three children: Frank A., Charles L. and Alpha L. Mr. Walker has never been an office-seeker, though he was a member of the Princeton City Council for seven years, has served as Township clerk, and is one of the village school directors. lle is a member of Princeton Swan Lodge No. 234, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
A prominent and successful business man, Mr. Walker has reaped the reward of industry, economy and fair dealing, and while enjoying the fruits of his labor enjoys also the esteem of the people who have known him as boy and man in a community with which he has all his life been identified.
BIOGRAPHIES