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JOSEPH B.
WALKER, M. D., who occupies the position of Mayor of Effingham, is a native of Pennsylvania, but is of Irish descent.
His birth occurred in Portersville, Butler County, Pa., on the 17th of September, 1855, his parents being Alexander
and Martha (Smith) Walker. His father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, but in early life he left the Emerald
Isle and emigrated to America. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania. The family removed to Jackson
County, Ohio, remaining about six years, and then removed to Crawford County, Ill., in 1868. Mrs. Walker is still
living in that locality, but the father died in that county on the 20th of June, 1880.
The
subject of this sketch grew to manhood under the parental roof, and acquired his literary and scientific education
in various institutions of learning. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began
studying to that end, and was graduated from the medical department of the Miami University of Cincinnati, Ohio,
in the Class of '82. Prior to completing his final course at the University, however, he had established practice
in Crawford County, Ill., but soon after receiving his diploma he went to Effingham, where he has since made his
home. This was in April, 1882, and during the eleven years which have since elapsed, his business has constantly
increased, and he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice.
Dr.
Walker was married in Palestine, Crawford County, Ill., on the 30th of October, 1883, the lady of his choice being
Miss Alice Maxwell. Mrs. Walker is a native of this State, her birth having occurred in Palestine, and is a daughter
of J. A. and Mary O. Maxwell. One child, a daughter, Florence Alice, was born to Dr. and Mrs. Walker, but her death
occurred at the age of seven years. In politics the Doctor generally votes with the Republican party, but is not
strongly partisan. In 1891, he was elected Mayor of Effingham, a strongly Democratic city, receiving a good round
majority. This well indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen.
He has proved an efficient and popular officer, winning the esteem of all with whom his official duties have brought
him in contact.
Dr.
Walker is the physician and surgeon for the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad Company, and for the Illinois
Central and the Wabash Railroad Companies. He is also a member of the medical staff of St. Anthony's Hospital at
Effingham, and holds membership with the Esculapian Society of the Wabash Valley, with the Illinois Medical Society,
and with the American Medical Society. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, Dr. Walker
is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Effingham Lodge No. 149, A. F. & A. M., and to Effingham Chapter No. 87,
R. A. M. He is also a member of Venice Lodge No. 168, K. P., of the Uniform Rank.
Dr.
Walker has always been a thorough student, and is well up with the times in the latest discoveries and scientific
developments pertaining to the profession. In his practice he has been eminently successful, and has won a foremost
place in the confidence of the citizens of Effingham and adjacent country. As a man and neighbor he is genial,
courteous and upright, and has made many warm friends, regardless of professional or political affiliations.
Portrait
and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago:
Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 537. Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards.
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