Walker Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: SpC MS 0761

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Diaries and memorandum books of three generations of the Walker family of Fryeburg, Maine. Included are diaries of James Walker (1772-1852) from 1818-Aug. 1852 in which he records his daily activities, work on his farm, weather observations and family events. Also included are his memorandum books covering topics such as work performed, 1813-1824; work and materials used in building his house, 1813-1819; a silk book, 1832-1852, in which he recorded raising silkworms; a hop book, 1813-1821; and a tree book, 1831-1850, both recording activities on his farm Collection also contains diaries, 1833, 1847-1858, 1860, of James Walker's son, also James Walker (1801-1891), in which he records his daily activities and work on the family farm. Several of his memorandum books and two photographs of him are also found in the collection. Also included are diaries, 1860, 1862, 1864-1866, 1870-1871, of the younger James Walker's son Carlton H. Walker (b. 1836).

Dates

Creation: 1818-1871

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Kept at Fogler Library's offsite storage facility. One week's notice required for retrieval.

Restrictions on Use

Information on literary rights available in the repository.

Biographical Note

James Walker (1772-1852) was born in Wilmington, Mass. He married Anna Harnden, also of Wilmington, in 1794, and they came to Fryeburg, Maine, around 1797, settling on a farm they called Island Farm where they lived for the rest of their lives. They were the parents of eleven children. Their son James (1801-1891) took over the management of the farm at age 21. He married Susan Colby in 1833 and they had four children. Their son Carlton H. Walker, born in 1836, also lived and worked on the family farm.