Memorials › William Henson Walker

William Henson Walker

10 Oct 1861 – 8 May 1940

Birth10 Oct 1861
Death8 May 1940
CemeteryPleasant Grove City Cemetery
Pleasant Grove , Utah County , Utah , USA
Added bySRBentz on 08 Sep 2009
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76922

Bio

Son of Henson Walker and Mary Green Husband of Sarah Ellen Christensen married 21 August 1887 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah History. William Henson Walker was born October 10, 1861, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Utah. He was the second child and first son of Henson Walker, Jr. and Mary Green. He was about four years old when his father returned from his mission, and of course, they were perfect strangers. He didn't like the idea of having a strange man embrace his mother; so to show his disapproval, he hit the intruder with a broom. The resultant spanking was the first memory of his father. He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 14, 1869, in one of the waste ditches west of Pleasant Grove by Brother Thomas Wooley. He was confirmed the same day by Brother John Brown. Being the oldest boy in the family, his mother depended upon him for doing the outside chores and much of the farm work. While still a young boy he had to haul wood from American Fork Canyon to provide fuel for the family. This was a good experience for him because later in his married life he had to do the same thing. At this time he would always take one or two of his sons with him. It was a joy for them to lie under the stars at night and listen to him tell of his boyhood days in the canyon. He spent much time as a young man hauling granite stone for the Salt Lake Temple, and it was a thrill for him to see this great building completed. He had a happy childhood and home life, having the association and companionship of three sisters, Melissa, Cassa, and Emma, and three brothers, Delbert, Perry, and Lewis. The first real sorrows that came into his life were the deaths of his twelve-year-old brother, Perry, in 1884, and his six-year-old brother, Lewis in 1885. He was recognized by all his associates for his ability as a wrestler and foot racer; it seemed to be a Walker characteristic to be fleet of foot. He had strong arms and shoulders and it has been said that he was the only man in town who could chin himself three times with one arm. At the age of twenty-six, he was married to Sarah Ellen Christensen on Aug 21, 1887. They made their first home along the highway just south of town, but later they moved out along the canyon road just north of the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. They have 10 children. All of these children lived to maturity except Mary, who died when almost three years old. Another great sorrow that came into their lives was the death of their daughter, Vera, at the age of twenty-one, she was stricken with paralysis which took her life. He followed the occupation of farming all his life and took much pride in his crops and his fine team of horses. His animals were always fed and groomed. He was very thrifty and careful with his financial affairs, and at the time of the depression in the 1930's he was one of the two farmers north of town who were free from debt. He never purchased anything unless he could pay cash for it. He enjoyed excellent health most of his life. When he was about forty years of age he suffered a bad case of Bright's disease, which almost took his life. It was only through faith and determination and the untiring efforts of his dear wife, who was always at his bedside, that enabled him to recover. One of the greatest thrills of his life was the purchase of his first car in 1917. Life took on a new meaning after this. Instead of taking two days to go to Salt Lake City with a team of horses as he had done so many times to peddle his fruit and vegetables, he could now go in just a few hours. He enjoyed this car more than any he ever owned; he even neglected his work so that he could take his family on short trips. He often said that the weeds went to seed that summer, and after that he was never able to get them cleaned up again. In the wintertime, there was always a lull in the farm work, which enabled him to enjoy the association of his many friends. they would gather together in the evenings at one of their homes and play cards (high five) and other games until almost midnight; then they would eat before the party broke up. this form of recreation continued for several years until old age began to creep in and the home fires were hard to leave. At that time in life, he began to appreciate the benefits of the radio. His favorite programs were Amos and Andy, and Myrt and Marge. He also got attached to some of the daytime programs; in fact, when he was out working he would always go to the house to listen to Our Gal Sunday. On August 21, 1937, he and Sarah, together with their family celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Two years later they had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. The last few years of his life were spent close to home and it was his constant prayer that he would never become a burden to anyone. this prayer was answered on his behalf, for on the 8th of May, 1940 at the age of 78, he suddenly passed away as a result of a heart attack. By Reed Owen Walker, son

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