Freestone County, Texas Biographies Biography of A. M. Walker (Dec 13, 1833 - ?, buried unknown) Source - A Memorial and Biographical History of Hill County, Texas Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892 pages 265-256 A. M. WALKER, the genial and popular proprietor of the Commerical Hotel, at Hillsboro, Texas, is admirably fitted for his present position, both by reason of his long experience and also because of his natural ability. He is a thorough master of the difficult art of modern hotel-keeping, giving his personal attention to the management of the house and to the well-being of his guests. The house itself is commodious, well-finished and well-furnished, and is supplied with all the modern conveniences. It is quiet, comfortable and home-like, has a most excellent bill of fare, comprising all the delicates of the market for all of which the charges are remarkably moderate. In fact, its facilities and prices can not be duplicated in the country, all of which is due to its careful management. The parents of the subject of this sketch were George W. and Perminta (Bohannan) Walker, born July 9, 1808 and 1810, and died in 1888 and 1846 respectively. The father came from Ireland. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Isaiah Walker, was one of two sons, Joseph being the other, who became wealthy; they emigrated to America from Ireland, the formerly settling in South Carolina and the latter in northern Alabama. Isaiah finally located in Tennessee, where he followed school-teaching. His son, George W., father of our subject, was variously occupied as a farmer, a doctor and a preacher, all of which occupations he followed after his removal to Freestone county, Texas, in 1850. He and his worthy wife had nine children, four of whom are now living: Mrs. Palmyria Conniway, of Freestone county; the subject of our sketch; L. P. and G. E., of Freestone county. The subject of our sketch was the third child in order of birth, and was born in Marshall county, Alabama, December 13, 1833. He was but a child when he accompanied his parents to Texas, where he attended the log-cabin schools of his vicinity during the winter months, his summer being employed on the farm. Thus he was variously occupied until he reached the age of 18 when, in 1851, he was in the stock business on a Texas ranch with horses and cattle. He was in that business for ten years, in connection ran teams with horses and cattle. In the spring of 186, he responded to the call of the Confederate Government, and enlisted in Comany B, Twelfth Texas Cavalry, but served during the last two years of the war in the Commissary Department, under Parsons, who afterward became Brigade Commander. Most of his service was passed in Arkansas and Louisana. He was in every engagement with the brigade, from Cotton Plant to the close of the campaign. The regiment went into Arkansas, where it did heavy picket duty, until the spring of 1865, when they were ordered to Texas, and were disbanded on the Brazos river in May. For twelve years thereafter, Mr. Walker was engaged in agricultural pursuits, during which time he contacted asthma so badly that he was compelled to pursue diffferent occupation. He accordingly, entered the employ of Levy Brothers, of Buffalo, as a salesman, remaining with them for three years, when in 1882, he removed to Belton where he opened and conducted a hotel until November 30, 1887. He then came to Hillsboro, since when he has been the propietor of the Commerical Hotel, a first-class house in every respect. In December 1863, Mr. Walker was furloughed home, and on January 5, 1864, he married Miss Maggie A. Chandler, an estimable lady, and a native of Alabama, whose father, W. A. Chandler, came to Texas in 1850, and died in the Confederate army in 1865. Her parents had seven children, and by a somewhat singular coincidence, she was, like her husband, the third child in birth. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have had seven children, five of whom are living: Mrs. H. P. Hawkins, of Wichita Falls, Texas; Marion Alberta, wife of B. F. Owen, of Hubbard City; Amber P., and Della P., twins, the former at home, and the latter, attending college at Mexlco, Missouri, where she is perfecting her musical education. She is a naturally gifted musician, is a fine singer, and opened an entertainment given by the college to the Texas girls with a piano solo, which created very favorable press comments. The youngest child is Maggie John, the seventh girl and baby. Mr. and Mrs. Walker and family are worthy members of the Methodist Church, to which they render valued and useful assistance. The parents are noble representatives of a noble State; and their children seem to be following closely in their well-directed steps, emulating all that is good and great, and reflecting credit on themselves, their parents, and their State.