BIOGRAPHY: Walker, Benjamin K.
From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875

*************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
*************************************************

BENJAMIN  K. WALKER, - The subjest of this sketch was born in 1833, in 
York County, Maine, where he resided on a farm until sixteen years of age.   His 
early education was obtained at the district school, after which  he prepared for 
college at the neighboring academies, and entered Waterville College, in 1854, 
but was compelled by sickness to leave his college course uncompleted at the end 
of two years.   Coming west in 1857, to seek health and fortune, he located at 
Bristol, North County, Iowa, after a stay of a month or two at Osage.   He took 
an active part in the organization of North County the same year, and was elected 
Clerk of the district Court, holding that position by two elections until 
November, 1862, when he removed to his native State, but returned to Bristol in 
the Spring of 1864.   Here he was variously occupied until 1870, chiefly in 
surveying , conveyancing, collecting and teaching.   During this time he turned 
his attention to real estate business, and organized an extensive agency in real 
estate.   In 1869, he was elected county auditor and still occupies the position, 
having been twice re-elected.   On entering upon the duties of the office he 
removed to Northwood early 1870, and here, in 1871, associated his brother, A. 
C. Walker, with himself in the real estate business, in which he is still engaged.
       In August, 1859, Mr. Walker was married in Sanford, Maine, to Miss Abbie 
Merrill, a lady every way qualified to grace the high social position she occupies.
      Owing to his superior business qualifications, Mr. Walker's services have 
always been in great demand among the people of North County.   He was very 
efficient in first organizing the county business in the other departments as well as 
his own, and, thereafter, while his time would permit, he was often appealed to 
for counsel and legal information in cases of difficulty among neighbors, always 
using his influence to avert litigation if possible.   No man in the county has the 
confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens in a higher degree.   He is noted for 
sterling rather than showy qualities, a private character above suspicion, and a 
public life regulated upon the principles of honesty and integrity.   With firmness 
and decision enough to give him force of character and perseverance he unites 
liberal - minded discretion and gentlemanly deportment.   These qualities have 
insured him public favor and success in business.