Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-08-18
DEATH OF w. X. WALKER.
End Camo at Battle Creek, Mich, After
Two Year. Of Poor HeaIth

Seldom does a piece OF news travel as
rapidly in Burlington as did the announce
ment of the death in Battle Creek Mich
early Saturday morning of Willard X
Walker For many weeks his struggle
for life had been anxiously watched by
many warm friends and acquantances
made during his residence in this city
For several days the most unfavorable
reports Of his condition had reached Bur
lington. preparing his friends for The
worst. and yet 1t seemed to many that
medical or surgical science might in some
way counteract the disease before it be-
came fatal. Within an hour after the frst
despatch announcing the end had been
received the news was generally known
about the business portion of the city and
by night there were but few people who
had ever had business or social relations
with Mr. Walker who were not acquaint-
ed with the sad fact of his death.
Mr.. Walker in spite of the fact that he
was young man. was probably better
known by moro people than any ether man
not In politics in Burlington. In his posi-
tion as manager of the Howard Opera
house and as promoter of many forms
Of out OF door sport he was at all times
thrown in contact with all classes of peo-
pie, and none can say that his methods
were not always honorable and obliging
lie was, moreover, thoroughly awake and
to his untring energy Is due the fact that
Burlington, situated. as it Is. out of the
beaten track of theatrical and opera tic
companies, has been favored by visits
from some Of the best amusement organ-
cations in the country. Although suffer-
ng from what he feared was an incura bic
disease his energy did not flag and during
The past few months he has booked a num-
bcr of entertainments for the coming sea-
BON.
Mr.. Walker. who was the only child of
Mr. and Mrs. X. p. Walker, was born In
Waterbury, April 6, 1864. and wastherefore
but thirty-four years of age. He
received his education in the pub
JIG schools OF this city and then
in the Hoffman House for two years.
During the next three years he was the
advance representative OF the John r.
Stewart shows, 1.-THE Two Johns" and
THE Fat Mems Club" In September,
1891 he married Miss Lena Belle Stewart
or Jamestown, N. Y, and has since resi-
ded In Burlington. He was for some time
treasurer OF the Crystal Confectionery
company and assisted his father in the
management of the Howard Opera house
until he took charge Of 1t about five years
ago. lie has also been interested in the
Autograph and bill posting business and
last summer made trip to Europe in the
Interests OF prominent Autograph house.
Mr.. Walkers health began to fail about
two years ago and the best physicians in
New York and Boston failed to do more
than temporarily arrest the progress of
his disease. as to the ma
tlEe of which there was a wide
difference of opinion among medi-
cal mon almost up to the last. Two
months ago he went to well known
Sanitarium in Baltic Creek. Mich. hoping
that the regular diet and exercise pre-
scribed would restore him to health so
that he could return to Burlington this
AAA ALL
duties of another year. For time the
change seemed to be beneficial and en-
coureging reports were received from him,
his malady having been diagnosed az d
severe stomach trouble. Then came
tho news that he was not SO
well and had been removed to hospital
His wife, who had gone to her old home
In jamestown. when he seemed to be res
covering, hastencd to him; his father was
summoned from this city; and on We'd