WALKER, SIMON ZELOTES, was born in Shoreham, Addison county, Vt., November 3. 1796, and was the eldest son of Russell and Anna (Chellis) Walker. Anna Chellis was a daughter of one of the Revolutionary soldiers, who served honorably as a quartermaster from the Battle of Bunker Hill until the end of the struggle. The ancestor of the subject of this sketch has been noticed properly in the preceding sketch of Russell Walker.
Simon Zelotes Walker received his education in the common schools of Bridport and Schroon, which was amplified by extended reading and study in later years. While still a boy and living in Schroon he served as drummer in the company commanded by his father (before mentioned), and was present at the battle of Plattsburgh. Down to about 1830 he occupied the home place and was successfully engaged in farming; he then purchased what is now the home of his son, G. R. Walker. On the 19th of April, 1840, he was married to Elvira S. Allen, and they had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Walker died September 8, 1841. Mr. Walker was again married January 15, 1843, to Lucinda A. Allen, a sister of his former wife and daughter of Ebenezer Allen, one of the pioneers of Bridport, who settled and cleared the farm where he lived and died; it is still owned by his descendants. Ebenezer Allen married a daughter of Philip and Submit Stone, and they had a family of five daughters, three of whom are living: Mrs. Walker; Caroline, living in Bridport; and Fidelia C., wife of Lyman. Southard, living in Charles City, Iowa. [Mrs. Allen died December, 1853, and Mr. Allen was married the second time to Mrs. Truman Grandey, who died in 1884.] Mr. Allen was a prominent citizen of the town, held various local offices, and as justice of the peace was noted for his integrity and the fairness and justice of his decisions. He was always active in all good works – the building up of churches, and benevolent objects generally; he was also a prominent and active Freemason. He died December 17, 1875, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Simon Z. Walker, after his marriage and settlement on the place now occupied by his son, became a successful farmer and stock-grower, and became prominent in the breeding of Saxony sheep. He was a man of sterling character, and sound principles and judgment. Recognizing his valuable traits, his townsmen honored him with numerous positions of trust and responsibility, which were filled in an efficient and honorable manner. He was elected justice of the peace early in life and held the office until his death; was selectman several terms, and in 1849-50 served his constituents in the State Legislature. He was a believer in and supporter of Christianity, and labored for its advancement. In the Masonic order he was also prominent, and by his general worth and high standard of living won a large number of sincere friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker were parents of three sons. Albert A. was born May 26, 1849; he grew to manhood, and during the War of the Rebellion enlisted in Company D, Fourteenth Vermont Volunteers; in the Battle of Gettysburgh he was wounded on the night of July 3, while assisting a wounded comrade from the field, and died on the following day, July 4, 1863. G. R.. Walker is the next son, born August 12, 1847. He was educated in the common schools and academies, and has made farming his only occupation; he has never married. He was selectman from 1874 to 1877 inclusive, and was elected to the State Legislature in 1884. S. Z., born January 8, 1850, is a farmer by occupation, and occupies a place adjoining the home farm of his father; married August 19, 1873, to Addie C. Russell, and they have one daughter and one son; Walter Z., born April 23, 1880, and Lettie A., born July 26, 1874. G. R. and S. Z. Walker own jointly the two farms occupied by each.