1892 Biography - W. S. Walker

W. S. Walker, Manchac, one of the largest private sugar refiners of the parish of East Baton Rouge, La., was born in Louisiana in 1851. He received his education in the city of New Orleans, and in Edinburgh, Scotland, being a student at the university at the latter place. He enjoyed very superior advantages, although he was prevented from graduating by the death of his father. When he went out in the world to meet life upon his own responsibility he engaged in planting. He took charge of a tract of 1,200 acres known as "Woodstock plantation," and devoted himself to the care and cultivation of the land. There is a large sugar-house on the place, and in 1891 he refined 600,000 pounds of sugar. There is a store on the plantation where all lines of supplies are kept. Mr. Walker has the entire supervision of this business, and under his direction it moves with the smoothness and precision of clock-work. He was married in 1881 to Miss Bard, a daughter of the late Samuel Bard, who was at one time superintendent of education in Baton Rouge. Three children were born to Mr. Walker and his wife, all daughters. He has been appointed by the governor to the important position of commissioner of levees of the parish of East Baton Rouge. The father of our subject, William B. Walker, was born in Fredericksburg, Va., in 1812, and removed to Louisiana when a young man. He engaged in the mercantile business in New Orleans, and continued in this occupation until five years had passed away. He then removed to this parish and followed sugar planting until his death, which occurred in 1872. He reared a family of four children - two sons and two daughters - all living, W. S. Walker being the youngest. Mr. Walker is a member of the Episcopal church, and is a man who has preserved the highest sense of honor in all his transactions.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana, published in 1892, volume 2, page 440.