My Genealogy Hound

WALKER BROTHERS. This is the leading mercantile firm of Greenwich, and the name is also prominent in the farming and lumbering interests of Hampshire County and vicinity. William H. and George B. Walker are both natives of Hardwick, Worcester County, Mass., the former having been born November 30, 1857, the latter September 9, 1862. They are the sons of James A. and Sarah (McClintock) Walker. Their great-grandfather, Abel Walker, removed from Rehoboth to Hardwick in 1779, and was one of the first settlers in the town. Three generations succeeding him were born on the farm which he cleared. Notwithstanding the severity of his toil in felling the forests and breaking up new land, and the hardships and discomforts of country life in New England one hundred years ago, he lived to an advanced age.

William Walker, son of Abel, was born in Rehoboth, and came with his father to Hardwick when a lad. He, too, reared his family and died. His son James, the father of the Walker brothers, succeeded him, and in time became one of Hardwick’s most prominent men. A good practical farmer, he was very successful in business matters; and in public affairs also he took a leading part. He was elected Representative to the State legislature on the Republican ticket, and in his native town served as Selectman and in a number of minor offices, his good judgment and executive ability being universally recognized. In religious views he was liberal. James A. Walker died at the age of seventy. His wife, Mrs. Sarah M. Walker, who is a native of Ware, Mass., is still living, making her home with her son George B., in Greenwichville. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. James Walker; namely, Susan, Fanny P., William H., George B., and Mary — the latter being the wife of Dr. Davis, of Hardwick.

William H. and George B. Walker grew to manhood on the farm in Hardwick, in their early years attending the district school in that town, and later finishing their studies in Brimfield. Both brothers have been for years engaged in farming and lumbering. They carry on general farming on an extensive scale, owning twelve hundred acres of land in Greenwich, Hardwick, and other towns in the vicinity. The estate on which Abel Walker settled in 1779 is kept in fine condition, its general appearance betokening good management and thrift. It is a beautiful homestead, the fine old hard maples which have lived through the storms of many years still guarding in stately rows the approach to the old residence. The lumbering business of the Walker Brothers is also quite extensive. They own and operate a large saw-mill in Greenwich, which they purchased in 1883, and with the latest improved machinery are prepared to turn out all kinds of lumber for building purposes, also manufacturing a large amount of box lumber, their yearly output in all amounting to over half a million feet. In 1890 they established a general store in Greenwich. This enterprise is under the especial charge of the younger brother, George B. Walker.

William H. Walker was married November 25, 1883, to Ella M. Hillman, a native of Hardwick, born in 1858. Four children have blessed their union: James H., Stephen H., Charles D., and Laura E. Mr. Walker is a Republican in politics, and his only social affiliation is with the Masonic fraternity. On the subject of religion both brothers hold liberal views.

George B. Walker was married June 22, 1892, to Hattie, daughter of Alden and Sophia Snow, of Galeville, N. Y. They have a family of two children, Raymond and Sophia. George Walker also is a Republican. He served as Selectman during 1892-93, and is now on the board; and he also holds the office of Overseer of the Poor, and has filled minor offices. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Bethel Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Greenfield. His wife is a member of the Congregational church at Greenwich.