Son of Henson Walker and Mary Green

Husband of Sarah Ellen Chirstensen, married 21 Aug 1887 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah,USA

William Henson Walker was born Oct 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 first memory of his father.

He was baptized a member of the LDS Church Nov 4,-14, 1869 in one of the waste ditches west of Pleasant Grove by Borther 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 of 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 grantile 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 a strong arms and shoulders ad 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 whn almost three years old. Another great sorrow that came into their lives was the death of theri daughter, Vera, at the age of twenty-one, she was stricken with a paralysis which took her life.

He followed the occuption 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 was the purchasing, when he was abput forty years of age he suffered a bad case of bright's disease, which almost took his life. It was only through faith and determaination 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 purchasing of his frist 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; in fact 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 winter time there was always a lull in the farm work, which enabled him to enjoy the assocation 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 a number of 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 favorties 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 Aug 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,USA

The last few years of his life were spent close to hom and it was his contant prayer that he would never become a burden to anyone. this prayer was answered in 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