In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1895) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1819
From The history of Hardin county, Ohio (1883), Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio (1895)
MOSES B. WALKER, LL. D., Kenton, was born July 16, 1819, in Ohio, and is a son of John and Mary (Davis) Walker, of Scotch-Irish descent. His ancestry, on the paternal side, is traced to John Walker, a native of England, who migrated to the colonies with Lord Baltimore and settled in Maryland. The grandfather of our subject, Ignatius Walker, was a lineal descendant of John Walker, and was born on the Potomac River in Virginia. He owned slaves on his plantation in Virginia, and was an intimate friend of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton. He was an officer during the Revolution, and died on the field of battle at Dtah Springs. The father of our subject was born on the homestead in Virginia and settled in Kentucky, where he located military land. In 1798, he sought a new home in the Scioto Valley, now embraced in the limits of Pickaway County, Ohio. His wife was a native of Maryland and an aunt of Henry Winter Davis. Her fattier was a soldier in the Revolution, who died of wounds received at Dtah Springs. At an early age, our subject worked on his father’s farm. His rudimentary education was picked up at odd times from school books, and in his seventeenth year he entered the freshman’s class of Augusta College, in Kentucky. Two years after, he returned home on account of poor health. He subsequently went to Woodward College, in Cincinnati, remained there two years, and then, for three years, attended Yale College, an attack of hemorrhage of the lungs compelling his return home. Recovering his health, he entered on the study of law in Springfield, Ohio, and the following year in Montgomery County, Ohio, under the preceptorship of Judge Joseph H. Crane, of Dayton, Ohio. He attended lectures at the Cincinnati Law School, from which he graduated with the class of 1846; The same year, he practiced his profession with H. V. R. Lords, opening offices at Dayton and Germantown. At this time, the Mexican war breaking out, he formed a company in and about Germantown, and equipped it at his own expense. There being a surplus of troops, the largest part could not be mustered in, so w’ere sent home. He consequently retired to his practice and continued until 1861, practicing under the firm name of Walker, Holt & Walker, one partner being Judge George B. Holt, an eminent lawyer of Dayton, the other his nephew. In 1850 and 1851, he was a member of the Ohio Senate. In 1864, and again in 1866, he was nominated to Congress, and was defeated, first by 1,600 and next by 600 votes, in the old Fifth District. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, Gov. Dennison tendered him command of one of the regiments, and he was commissioned Colonel of the Thiity-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He accepted a commission offered him in the regular army, on the condition he could go out with the Thirty-first regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His Ohio regiment became a part of the Cumberland Army, and he participated in all the engagements except at Mission Ridge. He was severely wounded at Hoover’s Gap and at Chickamauga, after which he received a commission as Brigadier General of Volunteers; also the respective ranks of Major and Lieutenant Colonel, by brevet, in the regular army. After four months spent in the hospitals, he returned to duty, and took part in the Atlanta campaign, after which he joined Thomas at Nashville. He was mustered out with his regiment and placed upon the retired list with the rank of Colonel, for wounds received at Chickamauga. At a critical period of the war, he was ordered home to deliver speeches at various points to counteract the influences that served to injure the cause. All this he did, and also aided in fresh enlistments, and to arouse a general spirit of loyalty. This service he considers of more value than his conduct on the field. He was often intrusted with the most dangerous and important duties, and enjoyed the full confidence of Gen. Thomas, with whom he fought through the entire war. He was also among the brave old Fourteenth Corps. During the autumn of 1868, he was ordered to Texas for duty. He was subsequently appointed Judge of the District Courts, and the year after was transferred to the Supreme bench. His colleagues were Ogden Evans and McAdo, A. J. Hamilton, Morrell Lindsay and Dennison, He served for six years, when Texas was admitted into the Union and returned to his home. He was re-appointed Supreme Judge by Gov, Davis, and went back to Texas and served three years under the constitution of 1869. He returned to the North in the fall of 1875, and settled in Kenton. For a time he engaged in the practice of law, but his declining health necessitated a retirement. He was married, November 10, 1842 to Miss Maria, daughter of Tobias Van Skoyck, a descendant of the Knickerbockers, and resident of Germantown, Ohio. Mrs. IValker died in July, 1853, leaving three children, all living. The oldest, Mary E., is the wife of John T. Carlin, of Kenton; John O. resides in Kenton, and Grace M. A. is the wife of P. M. Butheraff, of Austin, Tex. On the ist of May, 1855, our subject married Miss Mary H., daughter of Dr. Willis H. Hitt, of Vincennes, Ind. The eight children by this union are as follows: Willis S., Harriet R. (wife of Dr. L. B. Tyson,
Kenton), Mosella, George W., Bessie F., Frank M., Mary E. and Della. Mr. Walker met with an accident, in the fall of 1879, at Springfield, Ohio, by falling into an excavation in a sidewalk, and was injured to such an extent that he is obliged to use crutches, and is confined mostly to his home.
As printed in The history of Hardin county, Ohio (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
MOSES B. WALKER, LL.D. There are few of the residents of Ohio who are unfamiliar with the name introducing this sketch. It is that of a gentleman who, alike upon the field of battle and in civic affairs, has ably represented his fellow-citizens, and has championed with sword and pen the cause of truth and justice. Though now in the twilight of life and a constant sufferer from wounds received in active conflict, his mental powers have undergone no diminution, but his intellect is as keen as in the days gone by.
The “hero of Chickamauga” was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 16, 1819. John Walker, the original progenitor of the family in America, came either from England with Lord Baltimore, and settled in what subsequently became Carroll Manor, in Maryland. The General’s grandfather, Ignatius Walker, was killed in the battle of Eutaw Springs, during the Revolutionary War. He was an intimate friend of the illustrious Charles Carroll, of Carrollton. As early as 1798 John Walker, our subject’s father, came to Ohio and settled near Chillicothe, in the Scioto Valley, where he aided in erecting the famous blockhouse for the protection of the settlers from the attacks of the Indians. In the War of 1812 he served as a soldier with the commission of Lieutenant. During his early years he adhered to the Catholic Church, which was the faith of his forefathers, but later he left the Roman Church and joined the Methodist Church, in which he was afterward an active worker.
Removing to Iowa in 1842, John Walker located large tracts of land on the Des Moines River, in Van Buren County, where he died about 1850. He was a man of more than ordinary education and possessed wonderful will po\Ver. He was a perfect specimen of physical manhood, being six feet in height, and with a military bearing, due in part to his service in the War of 1812. His wife, Mary Davis, was an aunt of the now famous Henry Winter Davis. Her ancestors were early settlers of Maryland, and her father, a Revolutionary soldier, died from the effects of wounds received in the battle of Eutaw-Springs. From her French ancestors she inherited the versatility characteristic of that nation. In many respects she was a remarkable woman, and through careful study gained a thorough knowledge of medicine and surgery (which was more unusual in those days than at present). This knowledge rendered her presence and counsel invaluable among the pioneer residents of her locality. She was a devout Christian, a faithful wife and loving mother. Her death occurred in Iowa about 1857.
General Walker was the youngest of five sons and next to the youngest of nine children. His brother, Rev. George W. Walker, for many years one of the most prominent Methodist ministers of Ohio, was a preacher in that church for thirty-three years, until his death in 1856. His memoirs were published by a friend some years ago and were extensively sold. John D., a farmer and local preacher, died at Chariton, Iowa, at eighty-three years of age. Zachariah, who lived in Iowa, was a successful farmer and stockman of that state, and was at one time a member of the Legislature, but is now deceased. Peter, who was a skillful physician, was surgeon in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry during the Civil War and lost his life in his country's cause, dying soon after the battle of Arkansas Post.
Prior to the age of sixteen years our subject resided on his father’s farm, meantime attending the neighboring schools. When seventeen y'ears of age he entered the freshman class of Augusta College, in Kentucky, being allowed to enter that class upon condition that he should bring the studies in which he was deficient up to the standard, and in this he was successful; but in accomplishing it he impaired his health, so that after two years he was obliged to relinquish his college studies for a time. After regaining his health and through the assistance of his brother, Rev. G. \V., who took upon himself the responsibility of giving him an education, he entered the Woodward Preparatory School of Cincinnati. Two years later he became a student in Yale College, where he spent three years. Unfortunately, close confinement to his books caused him to again lose his health, and he was obliged to abandon study for a time.
As soon as able to resume work, our subject entered, as a law student, the office of Judge William A. Rodgers, of Springfield, Ohio, where he remained one year. His studies were continued in the office of Judge Joseph H. Crane, of Dayton, after which he attended lectures at the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in the Class of ’45. He then formed a partnership with H. V. R. Lord, opening a law office in Dayton and another in Germantown, 'with himself in charge of the former and Mr. Lord of the latter.
From the time of entering the legal profession, our subject was closely identified with public affairs. He also took an active part in military matters, and at the breaking out of the Mexican War held the commission of Major of Cavalry in the state troops. This he resigned to raise a company of infantry, but before the organization was completed an order came to accept no more troops. Therefore, while standing ready, he saw no active service in that war. He continued his law practice in partnership with Mr. Lord until the death of. the latter, when he associated with himself Judge G. B. Holt, an eminent lawyer, who for twenty-one years was on the Bench. The firm name then became Walker, Holt & Walker, the junior member being a son of his brother John.
At the opening of the Civil War Mr. Walker promptly tendered his services, and was commissioned Captain of the Twelfth Infantry in the regular army. Through the influence of his friend, Salmon P. Chase, and by Governor Dennison, he was appointed Colonel of the Thirtyfirst Ohio Infantry, at the first call for three hundred thousand volunteers, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under General Thomas. He first distinguished himself at the battle of Perry ville. His well known ability and his high standing in Ohio caused General Roseerans to send him to Ohio to recruit and organize troops, which at that time was a more dangerous position than facing rebel guns on the battlefield. It was an open secret that in parts of Ohio the rebel feeling was quite as strong as in the South, but Colonel Walker, who had never been known to shirk a duty, and who knew no such word as “fear,” did not hesitate to carry out the request of his superior officer. In many places he was well received, but in the hotbeds of secession in this state he was hooted and jeered at, and was more than once shot at. His stirring speeches caused intense excitement, and finally he prepared an address to the citizens of Ohio, which was printed and sent broadcast over the state. In this he did not merely ask that the citizens stand by the Union and the flag of their forefathers, but he demanded that they do so. After the first demonstration of disapproval, the good effects of this circular were seen. His campaign was a most successful one and received favorable comment from the press throughout the country.
After accomplishing this great task Colonel Walker returned to the front in time to command his regiment at the battle of Stone River, where he bore a gallant and honorable part as commander of the First Brigade of the Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. At the battle of Chickamauga he received a severe wound, but kept his saddle, and with the blood flowing from his wound he commanded his brigade. During a speech in Ohio at the time of the Garfield campaign, Gen. James B. Stedman, who had been given the name of “Old Chickamauga,” publicly stated that General Walker was the real hero of Chickamauga. The latter, the morning after the battle, was publicly commended by the commanding officer for his daring and conspicuous bravery. The officers of General Thomas’ corps met on the night of the 21st of September, after the battle, and passed resolutions to have a gold medal struck, to weigh not less than $50, and to be engraved with suitable emblems and devices — this, to be presented to General Walker for his bravery and gallantry.
The commission of Brigadier-General was given our subject March ay, 1865, and on a sword presented to him by the officers of the Thirty-first are inscribed the names of the battles in which he led them. They are Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Hoover’s Gap, Chickamauga, Rock Face Ridge, Resaca, Dalton, Big Shanty, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and Nashville. Upon being mustered out of the volunteer service he entered the regular army and served until May 19, 1866, when, on account of his wounds, he was placed on the retired list with $281 per month retired pay for life.
On returning North, General Walker engaged in the practice of law in Findlay, Ohio, but in 1868 he was sent by the Government to Texas to assist in the reconstruction of that state. After serving for a time in a military capacity, he was appointed to a seat on the District Bench, and later to the Supreme Bench of Texas, on which he served until the state was reconstructed. He then came back to Ohio, selected Kenton as his future home, and commenced the practice of law with his son Willis. In 1879 he retired from the profession, since which time he has made his home on his farm in the suburbs of the city. Of late years he has suffered much from the wounds received during the war, one of the balls that he still carries in his limb giving him much pain.
General Walker has been twice married. His first wife was Maria C. Van Skoick, a descendant of old Knickerbocker stock, who left at her death three children, namely: John O.; Mary E., wife of John T. Carlin; and Nettie, Mrs. Edward Cullen. Flis present wife is the daughter of Dr. Hitt and a cousin of Congressman Hitt, of Illinois. Of their nine children seven are living, one having died unnamed in infancy. Willis, formerly one of the most able attorneys of the state, died some time ago in Spokane, Wash. Harriet is the wife of Dr. Tyson, a prominent physician of
Kenton. Moselle, who is at home, is an artist of superior ability, his works in oils and water colors having received the warmest commendation from art critics. George is engaged in teaching. Bessie married Metellus Thoriison, son of the late Colonel Thomson, one of the most extensive merchants of central Ohio, with large stores in Kenton and Lima. F'rank M. is a merchant of Kenton. Mae L-, who is at home, has received the benefit of fine musical culture and is an artist in the profession. Dell Lamar, who is at home, has likewise received good educational advantages. Socially General Walker is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is especially interested in the Grand Army of the Republic, attending all the meetings of the post when his health permits. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio (1895). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: B. Tyson (b. 1841) L. B. Tyson (b. 1844)
The printed record stops around 1883. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.