| was one of the early pioneers of this part of the Province, having been
born in the year 1797, within a mile of the spot where he died. He was the first white
child born in the Long Point country. His father, Henry Walker, emigrated from
Ireland, and accompanied the U. E. Loyalists to this portion of the British Dominion, from
Maryland. His boyhood was passed amid the trying times of the early settlers.
At the
age of sixteen he entered the militia forces and performed service during the last two
years of the war of 1812, as it is called. The last year of the war he performed
duties at block house, Turkey Point. Vittoria being then the capital of the Talbot
District, which embraced all this portion of the Province to Detroit River, and Malden
District. After the war he located at Peacock Point, and after a few years of
unsuccessful operations there, sold his claim and removed to the Township of Woodhouse,
where he continued to reside until his death. He was early placed on the Commission
of Magistrates, and though active and energetic in civil pursuits, he longed for military
duties, which he in his early manhood entered in with alacrity. He was much
disappointed in failing to obtain a Captaincy in the home company that performed duty in
the troubles of the times, and of which he was First Lieutenant, and shortly after sent in
his resignation. He lived a quiet and unostentatious life, and was largely known by
his benefactions and kindly assistance to many settlers. His services were
recognized by the government at Ottawa, and he was placed on the list of veterans, and
received the statutory annuity granted. He leaves a widow and one daughter -- the
wife of Colonel Tisdale, Simcoe -- and a large circle of relatives in this part of the
country. His remains are laid in the new portion of the cemetery lately added
to the burying grounds of the Methodist Church, Woodhouse. |
