GUIAN L. WALKER

 

   Guian L. Walker, born just over the line in Dade county, Mo., on Oct. 22, 1841. Died March 29, 1921, at his home in Stockton, Mo., of heart trouble with which he had been afflicted for some time.

   The end came quickly as he often hoped it might and with his passing the community loses one of its oldest most prominent citizens.

   In early life he was a teacher and surveyor. He began to take active interest in politics and soon became one of the foremost leaders of the Democratic party to which he gave unswerving allegiance through all the years to follow. He was elected in 1874 to the office of county collector, serving two years, in 1878 became county clerk, with re-election in 1882. Elected county judge in 1912, serving two years. Served also as deputy under county clerk Thos. French and deputy collector under J.G. Nance, making twelve years as county official and six years as deputy official. This shows the esteem in which he was held by the people of the county. His extremely affable manner and constant kindness in rendering small favors without recompense endeared him to the people and he became the recipient of all the worries and troubles, politically and otherwise, of a very large circle of acquaintances. He never grew impatient but lent attention and exerted himself to give aid as well as advice. He gave minor legal instruction to many and saved them the fees they would otherwise have been compelled to pay. In all these ways he drew to himself the staunch support and affection of nearly all with whom he had dealings and when asking for political preferment not only did his own party give him loyal support, but many friends were found among other parties. It was natural for him to be kind and in return it was natural that he should receive loyalty.

   On Sept. 7, 1865 he was married to Mary A. Roberts. For almost fifty-six years they lived happily together and when his state of health became critical, she watched over him with anxious care, ever dreading, yet ever expecting a sudden summons. They had experienced many joys and many sorrows together, Five children were born to them, Virgil L. Walker, Cora E. Webb, Susie E. Webb, Lula M. Hurt and Frank J. Walker. Two only survive, Virgil L. and Cora E. Webb, the others passing on after attaining maturity and becoming heads of families. Twelve grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren also are of the host who mourn for him.

   For fifty years he was a member of the Masonic order, being, at the time of death and for many years previous, Secretary of his home lodge. He was very devoted to its teachings and active in its ministrations.

   Mr. Walker enlisted in Company G., Eighteenth Mo. Inf., Confederate army in 1862 and served until the close of the war. He fought at the    of Newtonia, Humansville, Prairie Grove and Helena. Made a prisoner at Helena and held for eight months at Alton, Ill., and twelve months at Fort Delaware. He was ordnance sergeant of his regiment. And in 1863 was transferred to Pindel’s  First Battery of Sharpshooters.

   Although active in many lines of work he was always a farmer, owning and Maintaining a valuable farm near Stockton and upon which resided most of the time. His hospitality was most generous and many are the visitors who have sat at his table and been welcomed by him and his good wife to the comforts of their home. He was kindly, accommodating and loved a friendly joke with his neighbors.

   He was a prominent and familiar figure in the life of the community and his passing will be keenly felt.

   Funeral services were held at the Christian church with which he united more than forty-five years ago. Rev. A.M. Weaver, Baptist minister and a strong personal friend and Masonic Brother, conducted the services, speaking from the text, “He was a good man,” taken from Acts 11-24. after which his body was conveyed by his Masonic brethren to its last resting place and there given the beautiful burial service of that order. A very large number of  people attended the funeral and burial, each feeling a sadness that another old friend had been removed.

   The wife, son, daughter and grandchildren have the sincere sympathy of everyone. May they be comforted.                                                                                            A.B.C.

 

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