01/01/2024
Does anyone have information about the Walker family?
Walker's Spring House, Woodstock, New Hampshire
A spring house (or springhouse) was a small building, typically comprising of a singular chamber, strategically erected above a natural spring. Originally devised to safeguard spring water from contaminants like fallen leaves and wildlife, this structure evolved beyond its initial purpose. Before the era of ice houses, ice delivery, and subsequent electric refrigeration, the spring house emerged as a vital means of preserving perishables.
Capitalizing on the consistently cool temperature maintained by the spring's waters throughout the seasons, the spring house became a rudimentary refrigeration unit. It provided a secure haven for food items susceptible to spoilage, such as meat, fruits, and dairy products, shielding them from the ravages of animals. In addition to its role in refrigeration, the versatility of the spring house extended to serving as pumphouses, milkhouses, and even rudimentary root cellars. As a nexus of functionality, the springhouse played a crucial role in preserving and protecting essential provisions.
The New Hampshire Historical Society wrote the following biography of the Walker family:
Thomas Walker, Sr. (ca. 1716-1804) is believed to have been a merchant in Suffolk County, MA prior to 1751 when he purchased land in Londonderry, NH. He married Grace (or Grissell) Young of Londonderry. They had three children, Jane, Agnes, and Thomas Jr. In 1771. Walker deeded his Londonderry land to Matthew Thornton, and by 1785, he was living in the new town of Thornton, NH.
Thomas Walker, Jr. (1765-1829) was a prominent man in the town of Thornton. He held various offices such as Selectman, Justice of Peace, Moderator, Highway Surveyor, School Committeemen, Fish Warden, Tax Collector, etc. He operated a distillery as well as a lumber business and farm. Around 1795 he married Elizabeth Bowen. They had five children: Samuel Holmes, Nancy, Peter, Cynthia, and Ezra.
Samuel Holmes Walker (1796-1869) was born in Thornton, NH. He continued the distillery business and was a farmer and land developer. He continued to expand his father’s lumber business sending crews with logs down the Merrimack River to Lowell, MA. He was an agent for Fiske & Norcross who operated a sawmill in Lowell, MA. He sold threshing machinery and insurance and acted as a lawyer for local people. He had major business losses but was rebuilding and living in Holderness, NH when he died in 1869. He married Elizabeth York George of Woodstock, NH. They had seven children: Eliza Ann, Arthur Livermore, William Crawford, Gardner Edmunds, Malinda W., Martha G., and Jerusha P.
Arthur Livermore Walker (1823-1907) was born in Thornton, NH. He attended Plymouth Academy and then worked in a store in Boston, MA. He moved to Manchester, NH, in 1847 and opened a bookstore and circulating library at the corner of Elm and Merrimack Streets, which he later sold to the City Library. He built the first ice house in the city in 1853. After settling his father’s estate, he opened a real estate office in Manchester, NH. He was married twice, first to Rebecca Glidden of Unity, NH, and then, Mary Hazen.
