BERRYMAN L. WALKER, Newspaper Articles, 1907 & 1924, Smith County, TX ***************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Submitted by Bobby Williams - bgwill@cox-internet.com 21 May 2001 ***************************************************************** Source unknown - Probably the Tyler Courier-Times NEWS ARTICLES ON UNCLE BUM WALKER DATED 1907 A PLEASANT CHAT WITH UNCLE BUM WALKER ABOUT OLD TIMES The editor of this paper has had several chats with Uncle Bum Walker, who is here on a visit from Tom Green county, where he lives with his son-in-law, Mr. S. H. Shipley. He has been making his home in Tom Green county for 5 or 6 years. Mr. Walker came to Smith county in 1846 or 61 years ago. Mr. Walker remembers at that time the following named persons, residing in this county: Ab Lott, C. C. Alexander, John Lolly and his brother Uncle Jim Lolly, A. J. Ellis, Jeff Hays, John Bruce. These men have long since passed away. A year or two later Julias Sanders came to Smith County from Alabama and is still an honored citizen of this county. Soon after Mr. Walker came to the County, Judge Stephen Reaves, W. C. Pierce, and D. H. Lindsey settled in and near Tyler. In September 1846, the County Court was located and the County organized. In December 1846 an election was held to elect county officers and there were cast 76 votes. At that time there was no court house or jail. The first court held was in a log cabin about where the hardware store of J. H. Adams and son stands, by L. D. Evans. He was afterwards elected to congress. In 1848 a log court house about 18 feet square was built on the square. Later Major M. J. Dean bought it and made a town of it. A few years after it was built the county built a brick courthouse and it is part of the present court house. The first burial in Tyler was in the spring of 1847. A man by the name of Roberts, who was passing through the county died at the Grayham place, 2 miles east of the city. The grave was dug by Judge Stephen Reaves, Bum (B. L.) Walker, A. J. Ellis and John Lolly. Uncle Bum Walker is enjoying fine health. He is probably the oldest person now living who was in Smith county as early as 1846. He has living five sons and two daughters as follows: W. L. Walker, J. F. Walker, S. W. Walker, P. H. Walker, J. V. Walker, Mrs. Ita Ponder and Mrs. Martha Shipley. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated 1924 “Uncle Bum” Walker Celebrates 95th Anniversary On Thursday, August 14th, Berryman L. Walker, lovingly known to all Smith county as “Uncle Bum”, celebrated the 95th anniversary of his birthday with a family reunion at his home seven miles west of Tyler. Mr. Walker is one of the first settlers of Smith county, having come to Texas from Randolph county, Alabama, in 1846 with his parents and three brothers, Mason D., William, James Franklin, and one sister, Georgana. (Mrs. Stephen D. Reeves.) Mr. Walker is one of the pioneer citizens who has always stood four-square for the right in upholding the home, school, church, and the community. His family being charter members of the First Baptist church of Tyler. During the war, he was a member of Company “I”, Hubbard Regiment, Wall’s Brigade, Walker’s Division. (Berryman) Has been a consistent, lifelong Democrat, voting for Houston, Robertson, Hogg and hoping to be able to cast his vote for Felix D. Robertson on August 23rd. Dinner was served in the oak grove adjoining the home, and needless to say what was served. Everything good, including chicken, all style, pies, cakes, all styles, barbecue, pork, beef, ice tea, etc. After the blessing, during which “Uncle Bum” rendered thanks for God’s goodness to him in sparing him for this good year in such excellent health to enjoy once more a reunion with his children, all “fell to.” During the cutting of the birthday cake, a mammoth angel food crowned with 95 candles, each toasted the honoree and many loving wishes expressed for another year’s good health for him and a hope for a similar occasion in 1925. About 35 members of the family assembled, among whom was Mrs. Shipley, Mr. Walker’s youngest daughter, her two sons who motored from San Angelo for the occasion. The sons and daughters present being Lee Walker and wife, James F. Walker and wife and children, Stephen Walker, wife and family, Jno V. Walker and wife and family, Pink Walker, Mrs. Morgan Oden, Mr. And Mrs. Pete Reaves, nieces and nephew.