BIO: Jonathan WALKER, Centre County, Pennsylvania

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the 
Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical 
Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, pages 131-132

JONATHAN WALKER (deceased), who in his lifetime was one of the most substantial 
and highly respected citizens of Brush Valley, and the owner of a fine farm 
near Wolfs Store, Centre county, was a member of a prominent pioneer family of 
that locality.  The farm on which he resided is situated about two and quarter 
miles east from Wolfs Store, and in earlier days was known as the "Erhard 
Homestead."  Jonathan Walker bought it from his parents, Daniel and Hannah 
Walker, and Daniel Walker purchased it from Michael Erhard, his (Daniel 
Walker's) wife's father, he (Daniel) making an agreement to keep Mr. and Mrs. 
Erhard the rest of their lives.
  Born April 11,1843, our subject saw many changes in the locality, and in no 
place in life is progress more apparent than in the schools.  While he made 
good use of such facilities as the district schools of his day afforded, he 
realized their deficiencies, and always was in hearty sympathy with the 
movement to provide the best possible instruction for the rising generation.  
As the youngest son of his parents, he was made useful at home during his 
boyhood, his chief work being to drive a team.  He never worked away from home, 
and in early manhood he made arrangements to purchase the place, agreeing to 
support his parents during the remainder of their lives.
  Prior to this, some ten years, October 20, 1867, Mr. Walker married Miss 
Amanda Dubbs, from New Berlin, Union Co., Penn., but a native of Snyder county, 
Penn., and a daughter of Jacob Dubbs, a well known farmer and merchant.  Six 
children were born of this union:  John W., now at home; Ida (Mrs. W. Edward 
Weaver), of Miles township, Centre county; and Emma, William, Annie M. and 
Harry M., who are at home.
  When Mr. Walker bought the property he lived on, the old milling property was 
included, and he afterward conducted the sawmill on the old plan.  For some 
time he carried on the manufacture of flour in the gristmill, but, after the 
improved roller machinery was introduced into other establishments, he used 
this plant chiefly for shopping.  His estate comprises about five hundred 
acres, including some timber land, and the agricultural work has been carried 
on successfully, the portion under cultivation making one of the best farms in 
the locality.  In his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 132

later years Mr. Walker's sons took the active work of the place, but he did 
much sever labor in his time, and the toil and exposure undergone in hauling 
logs and similar work, left their impress upon his frame in chronic kidney 
troubles, culminating in Bright's disease, the final cause of his death, which 
occurred September 4, 1897.  He was buried in Rebersburg cemetery, where his 
parents also sleep their last sleep.
  Although a shrewd manager, Mr. Walker was thoroughly fair and honest in his 
dealings, claiming only his dues in any transaction.  In politics he was a 
Democrat, but while he supported his convictions earnestly, he was no office 
seeker.  However, in February, 1897, he was elected a school director of 
Brungart's and Stover's schools (Miles township), east precinct.  The religious 
movements of his vicinity had his generous co-operation, and he was a member of 
the Lutheran Church.  His widow is an adherent of the Reformed Church.  She has 
a pleasant home and a family of which any parents might well be proud, each one 
giving promise of upholding the good name which the previous generation have 
now.