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From the Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 588-589
J. R. WALKER, one of the leading representatives of the agricultural interests of Waterstown township, Grant county, owns and occupies a fine farm, which, by his efforts, has been developed into a very productive piece of property.
Mr. WALKER was born in Hickory Grove township, Grant county, April 14, 1857, a son of Joseph NEWCOMB and Isabella (HAM) WALKER. The paternal grandfather of our subject came to Hickory Grove township some ten years before his death, which occurred in Boscobel, when he was aged eighty-one. His wife died at the age of seventy-eight. Both were very highly respected. J. Newcomb WALKER, the father of our subject, was born in Michigan in 1823, was reared in that State, and came with his parents to Grant county, settling in Hickory Grove township. Here he took up government land, improved it, and is now one of the leading farmers of his section as well as a prosperous banker, being prominently identified with one of the banking institutions of Boscobel. His marriage occurred at Fennimore, and to himself and wife were born thirteen children, of whom are mentioned: Norah, Mrs. MURLEY, of Hickory Grove; Justin, of Hickory Grove; Cornelius, of Hickory Grove; Lizzie, of Rockton, Ill.; Leona, Mrs. RICHTER, of Centerville, Wis.; Gertrude, Mrs. SABINS, of Hickory Grove; Myrtle, Mrs. BOTTEN, of Hickory Grove; Leatea, Mrs. UPDYKE, of Hickory Grove.
J. R. WALKER was reared and educated in Hickory Grove township, remaining there until he attained his majority, when he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for machinery, in Illinois. Later he located in Boscobel, handling machinery and vehicles, pianos, organs, and sewing machines, until 1899, when he purchased a fine farm of 173 acres in Waterstown township, from C. OLESEN, and has since devoted his attention to it cultivation and improvement.
On Feb. 18, 1893, Mr. WALKER was married to Miss Helen BOTTEN, a native of Norway, daughter of Martin BOTTEN, of Hickory Grove township. Four children have been born of this union: Leonie Isabel, Jerome Newcomb, John Fulten, and Stella Annetta. In politics Mr. WALKER is a stanch Republican, and takes an active part in the work of that party. Thoroughly identified in all movements having for their object the advancement of the material welfare of the community, Mr. WALKER is well known throughout the county, and is highly respected for his many excellent qualities.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck