Joseph G. Walker, a prosperous woolen manufacturer in Brooksville, Hancock County, son of Joseph and Susan (Babson) Walker, was born in this town, January 19, 1828. The grandfather was John Walker, of Wolverhampton, England, who, with his two brothers, came to America with the British troops under General Burgoyne. Being in sympathy with the colonists, he deserted for the purpose, it is said, of joining the Continental army; and after the declaration of peace he became a pioneer of Brooksville. A log house was his dwelling until sufficient land was cleared for the erection of a frame house, and he succeeded in improving a good farm. Later he bought of John Lee a saw and grist mill, which stood upon the site of the woolen-mill now owned by his grandson; and he carried on business here for the rest of his life. He was actively concerned in town affairs, serving in some of the important offices; and he lived to be seventy-four years old. The maiden name of his wife was Emma Roundy. They reared six sons and three daughters; namely, John, William, David, Robert, Joseph, Benjamin, Emma, Betsey, and Sally. John and William were lost at sea; David died at seventy-six; Robert, at sixty-four; and Benjamin, at eighty-one. David, Robert, Joseph, and Benjamin Walker were among the first to engage in the woolen manufacturing business in this section. For years they conducted the mill which is still operated by a member of the family. Joseph Walker, who was born in Brooksville, retained an active interest in the business until 1876. He married Susan Babson, and reared two children: Joseph G., the subject of this sketch; and Emma, who married George Richardson, and has an only daughter, Maria, now residing in Washington, D.C.
After completing his studies in the schools of his native town Joseph G. Walker worked in the mill for four years, and then engaged in farming. In 1865 he purchased a part of his father’s interest in the business, and in the following year the portion of the property owned by the heirs of David and Benjamin Walker. Since his father’s withdrawal in 1876, he has carried on the business alone. He is quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of satinets, blankets, and yarns, and also does custom carding. Mr. Walker married Sarah J. Atherton, a daughter of John Atherton, of Blue Hill, Maine, and has three children — Abbie S., Joseph. W., and Emma J. Walker. Abbie S. married Rev. Daniel Stayer, of Dayton, Ohio, and died December 23, 1897, in Oregon, where they were living at that time; Joseph W. Walker is in the employ of the United States government at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Emma resides at home.
Mr. Walker cast his first Presidential vote for Winfield Scott in 1852, and has acted with the Republican party since its formation. He has been a County Commissioner for six years and Deputy Sheriff for a number of years. First appointed Postmaster by President R. B. Hayes, he was successively reappointed by President Harrison and President McKinley. His mill, one of the most important factories in Brooksville, is a great benefit to the community; and its proprietor is highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen for his business ability and progressive tendencies. He is a member of the Congregational church.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.