The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1915-03-20

markets. is popular with both races
alike and is the owner of much valu-
able real estate.
Lexington is beautiful little noun
tain city Of perhaps 1000 Inhabitants.
picturesquely situated amid the gran
deur Of Blue Ridge scenery near the
head Of the famous Shenandoah val
ley. There is about Lexington an air
of southern aristocracy. It proudly
preserves the, best traditions of the
south. Here are located two very not
ed seats Of learning-the Washington
and Lee university and the Virginia
Military institute Here. too, repose
the ashes of those two most celebrated
and best beloved southern chieftains.
General Robert q. Lee and "Stonewall"
jackson. Both Of these famous men
were at one time residents Of Lexing-
ton and teachers in its famous insti-
tutions.
Deacon Walker was born in Lexing-
ton. July 4. 1875. He Is therefore still
young man, not yet being forty. He
is truly self made man. When he was
eleven years Of age he was working for
30 cents week. driving cattle. He
worked at that same place as a meat
cutter until he was thirty -one. During
that time the firm had changed hands
four times. But he never changed. and
during this period of his employment
his wages were gradually increased un-
til he was receiving 500 a month.
At the age of nineteen he was mar.
ried. without possessing scarcely so
much Of this worlds goods as a second
suit. He was fortunate in securing az
q helpmate Miss Eliza Bannister. q
handsome and industrious Lexington
girl, who had become a trained nurse
In Washington. She encouraged and
helped him. and for a year they prac-
ticed the most rigorous economy. At
the end Of their first year Mr.. Walker
was able to make $500 investment In
property. To this first purchase more
real estate was gradually added. He
secured a home site of thirteen acres
just at the edge of Lexington, upon
which he erected a commodious dwell
ing.
Later he built q model slaughter
house, the first Of which Lexington
could boast. In 1908 he went into the
meat business for himself with cap
ital Of $310 His business now aver
ages 1000 month, and he employs
several men. His real estate. including
his place Of business, is conservatively
valued at $4,000. He Is large and
powerful man, generous. prompt and
kindly. His success is the more inspir-
ing and remarkable because 1t has been
achieved in a small, conservative place
through self denial and honest business
enterprise. He has never INDUCED In
what we call a plunge" but is known
as careful business man.
Mr.. Walker is a deacon in the First
Baptist church of Lexington. which is
large and influential congregation
with a beautiful brick and stone edifce
valued at $4,000. 1t seats 1900 people.
b electrically lighted and steam heat.
ed. 1t is one Of the strong churches Of
Virginia and has numbered among its
pastors such men as the Rev. DR.. VIII |
liam NJ. Moss of Brooklyn. DR.. w. T. |
johnson Of Richmond and the writer |
of this sketch. Several children have |
been horn to the Walkers, but only one |
SUR ~. Miss Mamie. who Is q stu |
i,ent IN Hartshorn college. Richmond. |
4 son. Harry Thomas. most promis.
ing young man. who was In business
with his father, has but recently passed
away.