Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-10-12
CITY AND DISTRICT.
THE WALKERS OF TOAPING CAS-
TIE.
4 Notable Anniversary, Recalling IN
Interesting Family History.

4 Notable Anniversary. Recalling IN
Interesting Family History.
TIE GOLDEN WEDDING OF MR.. AND MRS. JoNA-
THAN T. wALKER-How THE FIRST WALKERS
CAME TO TOAPING CAsTLE-THE ORIGIN OF
M'KENDREE CHURCH, ETC.
There was notable gathering to-day at Pleas
ant Prospect, Prince Georges county, Md, the
handsome country-place of Mr.. Jonathan T.
Walker. who for many years was one OF the
leading citizens of the District. The occasion
was the celebration of the golden wedding of
Mr. and Mrs. Walker, and it brought together
several hundred Of the relatives and friends Of
the venerable couple, who are both still hale and
hearty.
Gov. Bowie was present, and over one hun
dred families in Prince Georges county were
represented. Among those from Washington
were Mr.. Zeph Jones, the COhens, Bealls, SCOTS,
Speddens, Yosts, Jacksons, and seufferies.
There were present, including the husbands and
wifes of their children, over fifty children and
grandchildren, and from them the venerable
couple received gift of handsome service of
silver. There were also gold and silver presents
from other relatives and friends Probably the
gilt most highly priced was a cane made from
the old log housekeeping Castle-erected by
Mr.. Walkers grandfather and his brothers at the
head of Bear Garden branch shortly after they
arrived here. Misses Martha and Sarah Seaver
who were Mrs. Walkers bridesmaids, were
among those present. There was presented to
the couple neatly written sketch of the family,
from which the following is taken:
THE FAMILY HISTORY.
Mr.. Walker is of Scottish descent, his grand
father, Isaac and grand-uncles, Charles and Ma
than. being forced to flee and find temporary Be-
crecy and security in France when George 1. was
crowned king of England and Scotland From
France the brothers came to America, prior to
the middle of the last century. Isaac left his
wife behind him with the intention Of returning
for her-nOt daring to write to her lest the
whereabouts of himself and brothers should be-
come knOwn-a reward Of ESQ being on their
heads as rebels and felons. By strange coin
cidence when he arrived at Alexandria, Va,
to take passage for Scotland to bring his wife
over he met her at the wharf, she having come
over in the vessel in which he intended to sail.
The brothers built a white oak log house at the
headwaters OF Bear Garden branch. about nine
miles northeast of this city. which remained
standing till about twenty-five years ago. They
called it
'TOAPING CASTLE"
after their stronghold in the old country. After
they thought it safe to acknowledge their
identity patent for the land was obtained by
Isaac Walker from Frederick, Absolute Lord
and Proprietary of the Province" &C., Feb
ruary 5th, 1854. the original of which Mr..
Walker now holds. Charles and Nathan Walker
subsequently removed first to Kentucky and
then TO Mississippi. the Hon. r. ]. Walker being
of the same stock. Some of their descendants
removed to northern Pennsylvania and Massa-
chusetts. Isaac Walker and his wife, Elizabeth
Stuart. raised three sons Isaac, Charles and
Nathan and a daughter Kate. who married into
the Sheriff family. Isaac married a Miss Ham
ilton and settled near Baltimore. Charles set
tied near this city and was the father of Zacha-
riah Walker, who formerly resided near the in-
sane asylum Mrs. Sarah Davis. who died few
years ago in East Washington at the age Of96 was
the daughter of Zachariah Walker. The only
direct descendant of this branch of the family ia
Chas- Hotfmann- Nathan Walker first married
Miss Baggerly. of Montgomery county Nd, by
whom he had three children, and i'm 1910 married
Miss Elizabeth Thomas of Charles county, Nd,
by whom he had seven children in nine years
Mr.. j. I. Walker. born August 4th. 1911. being
the eldest. Nathan. the next. died in Florida in
1879 the third is Mrs. Catherine Beall. of this
city; the fourth, Jane. married Alphens Beall.
now of Baltimore the fifth, Samuel Hamilton,
became the celebrated Capt. Walker, Of Texan
Ranger andMeX1can- war fame. who was killed in
the charge at Hua Manila. October 9th, 1S47: the
sixth is Mr.. Charles E. Walker. the well known
carpenter and builder Of this city, and the sew
enth Mary Thomas, married John Beall, of
TTdnciS. montgomery county. ElQ- MT. JOna-
than Walker spent most of his life in this city,
where he was engaged successfully in business.
THE ORIGIN OF MKENDREE CHURCH.
In 1874 Mr.. Walker obligated himself to erect
. suitable frame building for q Methodist Epis-
copal Sunday school and mission purposes, and
In the meantime rendered the use Of his shop,
which was accepted. The Sunday school was
organized June 18th. 1874, by electing Mr.. John
c. Hardness superintendent. and Mr.. Walker.
with Messrs. j. c. Hardness and Zephaniah Jones,
without fOrnality- agreed to build church. and
thus McKendree ME. church was started.
AFrER THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT LIN
COLN
hr. Walker. fearing the city would be the scene
Of riot and bloodshed. retired to the quiet of
'Toaping Castle" though continuing his bust
ness in this CITY, In 1866 he purchased Pleasant
Prospect. and retired altogether from business.
Mrs. Walker is the daughter Of Cephas and
Annie Harvey Benson, born at Annapolis. July
Sd. 1918. Her father was the principal of the
academy az Annapolis for many years. Mrsand
Mrs Walker have had twelve children. The
grand children number 30 and there is one great
grandchld- The children are James I. Walker,
Elizabeth j. Lester. Chas. IL. Walker. John n.
Walker, Samuel Fl. Walker, George Newton
Walker. Alice A. TOwnshend, and Edward Sped
den Walker.
Uniform school Regulations Needed.
To the Editor of The EVENING STAR:
would, through THE STAR" like to direct
the attention of the school officials to having
uniform construction OF their regulations The
writer has children in attendance at the Sumner
school building, who complain to him that thew
are not permitted to enjoy the one hour noon
recess provided 10y the board. In the schools
for white children the pupils are permitted to 90
home, thereby not only getting the benefit OF
fresh air and needed respite from brain work
but likewise get that which will give them
physical strength to bear the labor imposed
Cpor Them GOOD lunch. In the cnored