WALKER, Thomas A. (1837-1922)

WALKER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/10/2018 at 13:26:04

Thomas Allen Walker
(July 24, 1837 - August 1, 1922)

Advocate Tribune, Indianola, Iowa, Thursday, Aug 10, 1922, p.5
Obituary – Thomas A. Walker
Thomas Allen Walker, son of Robert T. Walker and Mary H. Watke, was born July 24, 1837 in New Washington, Clark County, Indiana, and died at his home near Wick, Iowa, August first, 1922, aged eighty-five years seven days, being the last surviving member of his parents family. He came with his widowed mother, his brother John and sister, Susan to Lee County, Iowa in the spring of 1850 and in August of the same year to Warren County. In August 1851 they returned to Lee County, coming again in 1854 to Jefferson Township, Warren County, and remained there till his death. He was married to Eliza A. Bryan September 5th, 1861 and she died September 26th, 1909. To them were born nine children, William E., Mary L., Cora B., Charles E., Ivy J., Minnie A., Margaret A., Eliza Miranda, and Nellie. Of these Mary L., and Charles E. died in early childhood and Eliza Miranda March 21, 1912.
He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when eighteen years old at one of the greatest camp meetings of this county that was held in the grove on the Walker home. From that day till his death he remained a devoted follower of his Savior and was noted for his regular and constant attendance at the public means of grace and of him it may well be said, “My soul longeth yea even fainteth for the court of the Lord” and that he would rather be a door keeper in the home of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
He was a member of Company G, 15th Iowa Volunteer Infantry and went with Sherman through Georgia to Savannah thence to Washington and was at the last grand reunion and review of the Union Army.
There survive him his children, William E. Walker of South Dakota, Mrs. Cora B. Gartsee, Iva J. Hoffman and Margaret A. Roberts of Des Moines, Mrs. Minnie Morris of Osage, Canada, and Mrs. Nellie Arnold, who with her husband resided on the home farm and cared for her father in his declining years. All of these children except Mrs. Morris, were at his bed side at his death. The funeral was August third at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wick, conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. P. Newell. S. W. Lee and intimate friend of the family for more than fifty years read the obituary and talked a few minutes on his life and influence. Mrs. C. W. Elrod of Des Moines sang three beautiful solos. The interment was at the Wallace Cemetery.
The children of Mr. Walker desire to thank all the friends for their helpfulness during his sickness, and the great number of flowers sent and the kindness shown by the decoration of the church for his funeral.