George Barstow Walker, a leading resident of Cornish, comes of a family whose representatives have been distinguished for manly Christian character and pure lives. His grandfather, Peter Walker, lived and died in Cornish, and was one of the prominent farmers of this section. Peter had four children-Joseph, Moses, Cyrus, and Eathan -none of whom are now living.
Moses Walker, the father of George B., was born in Cornish in 1812. He was educated in the town schools, and began his working life as a farmer. Later he did a large business, and became very prosperous. Besides doing more or less general farming, he raised high-bred cattle and horses. Throughout his life he was prominently identified with the Democratic party, and he was several Martha Davis, bore him one child, Henry Warner Walker, who was born in 1831, and resides in Cornish, engaged in farming. The second wife, christened Betsy Bugbee, was the mother of seven children; namely, George B., Eliza Ann, Martin L. and Louis N. (twins), Melvin Alanson, Maria, and Luella. Eliza married Hiram York, resides with her husband at South Cornish, and has two children-Elmer E. and Ida. Mr. York is one of the leading farmers of the town. Martin L. Walker, who is a prosperous farmer of Cornish and a Deacon of the Congregational church, married Lizzie Bailey, and has twelve children. Louis Walker, a gunsmith by trade and the owner of considerable property, married Kate Sawtelle, and resides in Ilion, N.Y. Retaining the fondness for flowers that characterized him when a boy, he has built a fine large hot-house, to which he devotes considerable time. He is and always has been a stanch Democrat. Melvin Walker married Lydia Cole, and has one daughter, Fannie. He is likewise a Democrat, and is a sturdy, enterprising farmer. Maria is the wife of Henry Fairbanks, and lives in Claremont, this State. Luella is now the widow of Eastman Bean, and resides in Claremont with her daughter.
George B. Walker was born in Cornish, August 29, 1841. He received his early education in the schools of his native town. Upon starting life for himself, he became a farmer and carpenter. He has always been a busy man; and, though a loyal Democrat and deeply interested in the affairs of the town, his many business interests have prevented him from taking any very active part in politics. His character as a citizen is irreproachable, and he has many warm friends. Mr. Walker married Lorette Jackson, of Cornish, daughter of Newton and Ellen (Chapman) Jackson; and two sons have blessed the marriage. The elder son, John Jackson, was born in Cornish, September 14, 1871, and died May 23, 1888. He was in every respect a most promising young man, and his character from childhood showed the effects of his early Christian training. At the time of his death he was a member of the Christian Endeavor Society and the Church Temperance Society connected with the church in which he had been brought up. He was soon to have united with the church. The younger son, Homer Newton, born October 11, 1878, lives at home, and is the object of tenderest affection of his parents. He works in the saw-mill, and is ambitious and enterprising. Mrs. Walker, like her husband, is a member of the Congregational church, and an active worker in its benevolent and auxiliary societies. Her mother is still living, and is now Mrs. Jacob Beal.