(There is no date on this article, but Myrtle Walker died in the early 40's and they referred to WWI as just 'The World War', so we may assume this predates WWII)
One of a family of eight children, Robert Walker remained at home until he was twenty years old, and in 1862 he left on the long journey to California via the Isthmus of Panama. On reaching San Francisco he left by the next steamer for Victoria, British Columbia, and in 1863 he went inland to the Caribou gold mines, near the Fraser River, and nearly 400 miles from Victoria. Here he remained until the fall of 1865, when he returned to San Francisco, and in the following spring he made another trip to British Columbia, this time engaging in mining at Big Bend, on the Columbia River. Not finding the mines profitable, however, he returned to California and settled in Monterey County, where he farmed for three years. In 1871 Mr. Walker came to Santa Clara County and purchased land on the Los Gatos and San Jose Road, and there he built a country home that was one of the well-known landmarks of that part of the country. He added to his holdings until he had over 400 acres, and through his capable supervision it became very valuable property. A leader in the financial life of the community, he was a director of the Bank of Los Gatos and the Los Gatos Fruit Packing Company.
While living in Monterey County, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Eliza Jane Parr, a native of Santa Clara County and the daughter of Jonathan and Eliza (Lowe) Parr, both born in England and pioneers of California coming across the plains in 1846. Jonathan Parr became owner of 3000 acres on both sides of Los Gatos creek, and here they both died. Mrs. Eliza (Parr) Walker died October, 1893, the mother of three children, Leslie R., deceased, Myrtle, and Vivian C., deceased. Myrtle Walker, the only child living, became the wife of Frank A. Johnson and two children were born to them: Robert P., who was in the U.S. service for eighteen months during the World War, and Alice A. Mr. Johnson passed away in 1900 and Mrs. Johnson still makes her home on her ranch near Los Gatos. Prominent in the fraternal circles of his days, Robert Walker became a member of the Odd Fellows in 1888, and he was for many years a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He passed away in October, 1900, closing a life full of kindly deed, and in which success had come as a reward of his integrity and upright spirit.
