John George WALKER

• Death Notes
  • cause of death:
    a. septic syndrome
    b. multiple system organ failure
    contributing conditions:
    pseudo obstruction of colon
    malnutrition

• General Notes
  • b. (near) Odon, Bogard Twp, Daviess Cty, IN
    was graduated from Epsom (alt. Odon) High School in (1929?)
    m. South Bend, St. Joseph Cty, IN 23 Apr 1938
    residing Granger, St. Joseph, IN in Dec 1956 (mother Pearl's obit) and Oct 1987 (brother Louis' obit)
    worked in Michiana City Schools 1969-1974 in maintenance
    d. Michiana Community Hospital, South Bend, St. Joseph, IN
    
    John grew up on his father's farm in Bogard Township, Daviess County, Indiana, south and west of Indianapolis.  As a child, John witnessed Ku Klux Klan rallies in the town of Odon.  At age 21, in 1930, he was living in Daviess County with his parents, his brothers, and his sister Rosemary.  At that time, John's father had six children and was renting the land he worked.
    
    By 1938, John had moved up to St. Joseph County.  There he married Alice Beckelandt, the child of Belgian immigrants, on 23 Apr 1938.  After marriage, the couple worked together on St. Joseph Farm in Mishawaka, Indiana, and probably lived in the Garden House in the apple orchard there.  The farm, situated along today's State Road 23, was run by the brothers of the CSC (Congregation of the Holy Cross).  The apple orchard was run by a distant relative of John's:  Brother Paulinus (James Walker), who was also from Daviess County.
    
    CSC is a communitarian Catholic ministry that originated in France in the early 19th century.  It founded Notre Dame in 1842.  At St. Joseph Farm, both religious and lay people worked the land.  The lay workers on the farm were typically single men without property.  According to a 1920 census, they included not only native Midwesterners but also immigrants from Flanders (Belgium), Hungary, Ireland, and Germany.  (See also Brother Carl Tiedt's history of the farm.)
    
    John later left the St. Joseph Farm.  By November 1942, he and Alice were living on Jackson Road in Mishawaka.  For a time, he sharecropped on the Mahank Farm, also in Mishawaka.  For an unspecified period between 1951 and 1969, John also drove the school bus for the school at St. Mary's College at Notre Dame.  By 1955-56, John and Alice had managed to buy their own farm, on Evergreen Road in Granger.  They bought it from Carl Brock and his wife for $16,000.  Daughter Carolyn:  "Brock was a banker who grew tired of country life.   The original title to the farm is so very, very interesting to read because it goes back to the original purchase of the land.  Have no idea where the document is now.  The original owners were quite wealthy, and their daughters traveled to Europe a lot, which was a big deal in those days.  There was once a cupola (Indian Lookout) on top of the house, and the original fireplaces were replaced with coal heat."
    
    John and Alice's farm was called Windy Hill.  John raised cattle, grew wheat and corn.  Alice kept rabbits, cultivated a vegetable patch and wove simple rugs on her loom.
    
    John was also a musician whose favorite music was bluegrass.  He played both banjo and harmonica.
    
    death record (SSDI):
    Name:    John G. Walker
    SSN:    316-34-6816 
    Last Residence:    46530  Granger, St Joseph, Indiana, United States of America
    Born:    24 Jun 1909
    Died:    11 May 1993
    State (Year) SSN issued:    Indiana (1951-1952)
    
    obit:
    South Bend Tribune, South Bend, IN, Wed 12 May 1993, p. B5
    John G. Walker
    June 24, 1909 - May 11, 1993
       GRANGER - John G. Walker, 83, of 52590 Evergreen Road, died at 1:06 p.m. Tuesday in Michiana Community Hospital after an illness.  Mr. Walker was a retired farmer and also retired in 1974 from Mishawaka School City [sic] after five years of service in maintenance.  He was born June 24, 1909 in Odon, Ind., and lived in Granger most of his life.  On April 23, 1938, in South Bend, he married Alice Beckelandt.  She survives, with three daughters, Rosalie McKay [sic] of New Carlisle, Virginia DeFreeuw of South Bend, and Carolyn Bulkin of Woodbridge, Calif.; two sons, George of Wisconsin, and Jerry of New Carlisle, 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosemary Zeeveld of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and two brothers, Joseph B. of Washington, Ind., and Lawrence of Osceola.  He was a member of the B.K. Club, Mishawaka, DeAmicis Club, Mishawaka, and Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka.
       Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the church.  Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.  Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, where the parish rosary will be said at 7 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
    
    source:  scan of original article, courtesy of Donna Bishop
    
    death certificate:
    Indiana State Department of Health, Certificate of Death, Local No. 1041, State No. 93-020215, name of deceased John G. Walker, male, time of death 1:06 p.m., May 11, 1993, SSN 316-34-6816, age 83, DOB June 24, 1919, POB "Oden [sic]," Indiana, not a vet, inpatient at Michiana Community Hospital, city/couty of death South Bend/St. Joseph, married, surviving spouse Alice M. Beckelandt, usual occup maintenance, industry schools, residence Indiana, St. Joseph, Granger, 52590 Evergreen Rd., 46530, not inside city limits, not on a farm [sic], citizen of "USA," not of Hispanic origin, race "White," education: highest grade completed 8, father George L. Walker, mother Pearl Spaulding [sic], informant Alice M. Walker, address (same), relationship wife, method of disposition of remains burial, buried May 14, 1993, Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Indiana, embalmer's name Pat Eastburn, license no. 2009771, death not reported to coroner, (signed) funeral director Michael Tirotto, license no. 1002231, name/address/lic. no. Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545, 88900006, immediate cause of death a. septic syndrome, approx. interval btwn onset/death 7 days, b. multi system organ failure, approx. interval btwn onset/death 7 days, contributory pseudo obstruction of colon, malnutrition, no autopsy performed, certifying physician James L. Gilberto Jr., D.O., med. lic. no. 02001249, address 1002 E. Jefferson, South Bend, IN 46617, signed May 13, 1993, health officer George Plain, M.D., filed May 13, 1993.
    
    source:  copy of original death certificate, CMB
    
    from brother Louis' Oct 1987 obit:
    Times Herald, Washington, IN, Mon 5 Oct 1987
    [...]  Surviving are his wife and three sons, Dr. Joseph Walker, Cannelton, Jeff Walker, Seattle, Wash., and James Walker, Boston, Mass., one granddaughter, three brothers, and one sister, J.B. Walker, Washington, Rte. 2, John Walker, Granger, Lawrence Walker, Elkhart, and Mrs. Rosemary Zeeveld, Carmel.  One brother, James Walker, is deceased.  (Oct 1, 1987)
    
    source:  scan of original, courtesy Donna Bishop
    
    from mother Pearl's 1956 obit:
    Washington Daily Times, Mon 3 Dec 1956, front page
    Mrs. Pearl Walker Died Saturday
    [...] Surviving besides her husband are five sons:  John G. Walker, Granger; J. B. Walker, R. R. 1, Odon; Lawrence S. Walker, Mishawaka; Dr. Louis A. Walker, Greensburg; and Capt. James A. Walker, U.S. Air Force, Frankfort [sic], Germany, and one daughter, Mrs. Rosemary Ramsey, of Indianapolis.  There are 18 grandchildren.  One sister, Mrs. Helen Doyle, of Indianapolis, also survives.
    
    source:  scan of original clipping
    
    1930 US Census (Apr 3):  lived in (no street address indicated), Bogard Twp, Daviess Cty, IN; head of h/hold, occupation farmer, renting his home, rent level not given, lives on farm, can read/write, not a veteran, radio ownership not indicated, age 45, b. IN, both parents b. IN, 23 when first married, living with wife Pearl M., age 45, b. IN, both parents b. IN, and 6 children: John G. 21 IN, Joseph B. 19 IN, Rose M. 17 IN, Laurence S. 15 IN, Lewis A. 12 IN, and James F. 9 IN.  Last three children attended school since Sept 1929.
    
    John was graduated from Odon High School in 1929(?).  Famous graduates:  John Poindexter, of Iran-Contra; Larry Graham, basketball hall of famer.  The street in front of the school was still named after Poindexter in 7/06 during a visit by CMB.  Debate on whether to rename the street continues.
    
    record citation:
    Year: 1930; Census Place: Bogard, Daviess, Indiana; Roll: 582; Page:  ; Enumeration District: 5; Image: 62.0
    
    1920 US Census (Jan 22), lived in (no street address indicated), Bogard Twp, Daviess Cty, IN; head of h/hold, occupation farmer, renting his home, rent level not given, age 34, living with wife Pearl M., age 35, and 5 children: John G. 10, Joseph B. 8, Rosemary 6, Laurence 4 1/2, and Lewis 1 10/12.  Eldest three children had attended school since Sept 1919.
    
    record citation:
    Roll:    T625_428  Page:    1A 
    ED:    5  Image:    0071
    
    father George Lawrence Walker's WWI Draft Registration Card 1917-1918:  living in Odon, Daviess Cty, IN with wife Pearl M., b. date checks, ht med, build med, eyes blue, hair brown
    
    1910 US Census (May 9), living in ("roads not named"), Bogard Twp, Daviess Cty, IN, head of h/hold, farmer, age 25, married 2 years, living with wife Pearl M., age 25, and son John G., age 9/12.  Neighbors include George's foster parents (uncle & aunt) George L. and Eliza A. WADE, age 52/52, plus George/Mary BREWER, age 45/37 and their 7 children.
    
    record citation:
    Series:    T624  Roll:    344 
    Part:    2  Page:    50B
    
    birth record:
    Indiana State Board of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Birth, No. 7076, Registered No. 805, POB County:  Daviess, Township:  Bogard, full name of child George J. Walker, not a twin/triplet/other, 1st in order of birth, legitimate, DOB June 24, 1909, father George L. Walker, residence "Bogard Tp. Daviess co. Ind.," color/race "W," age 24 at last birthday, birthplace "Daviess co. Ind.," occup farmer, mother "Pearl Mary Spaulding," residence "Bogard Tp. Daviess co. Ind.," color/race "W," age at last birthday 24, POB Sanborn Ind., occup "House Wife," mother's first child, "Precautions taken against Ophthalmia neonatorum?" yes, time of birth 2 p.m., attendant at birth "T. B. Memkin," dated June 25, 1909, address Odon, health officer A. I. Donaldson, M.D. filed July 5, 1909
    
    source:  copy of original certificate, CMB
    
    additional background on St. Joseph's Farm:
    
    In 1853, the local council decided to sell lots from the Harris Prairie fields to local Catholics. 
    
    The Civil War brought economic depression.  Afterwards, in 1866, St. Joseph's farm was formed  from 1500 acres purchased by the monks at Notre Dame University, who directed the cultivation of other fields as well.  Historically, the monks, novices and later, hired laborers all worked the university fields.
    
    In 1869,  a novitiate was built at St. Joseph's Lake, on the other side from Notre Dame.  It was greatly damaged in a fire in November 1887.  "The novitiate was a large, three-story brick building, situated at the North East corner of St. Joseph's Lake. It was erected in 1869 and valued at $25,000. At the time of the fire there were 45 postulants (occupants) who were under the care of the Rev. M. Robinson, C.S.C. The building itself is a total loss. There being no seeming probability of fire in that quarter, it was not deemed necessary to have the structure insured. The question of rebuilding will be discussed when Father General returns from the Holy Land.  -- Scholastic. 21:157. (1887)  "After much discussion on removing the Novitiate to St. Joseph's Farm, it was decided to table the question."  -- Provincial Chapter. (1890)
    
    see:also Brother Aidan's Extracts at:
    
    http://www.archives.nd.edu/aidan/aidan238.htm
    
    and:
    
    http://www.archives.nd.edu/aidan/aidan430.htm
    
    excerpted from above:
    
    "Bought in 1866 (St. Joseph's Farm). Lies on what is known as Harris Prairie. Contains 1500 acres, all arable, only 450 acres under cultivation at present. Balance used for pasture to large herds of cattle, flocks of sheep, etc. Surveying class there every year under Ivers and Stace, to draw out main ditch lines and roadways that have been established in all directions. Drained what was once regarded as marsh land. Farm a few years ago was regarded as a forlorn section of country which neither farmer nor speculator would have thought of acquiring, and which necessity alone compelled Notre Dame to purchase with a view of raising and fattening the beef necessary for the University . . . "
    
    "On the same farm may be found hundreds of acres of peat, which is manufactured into fuel for the use of the college. Some 800 tons are made there every year, and the supply is inexhaustible for centuries to come . . "
    
    " . . . We had the pleasure of visiting this splendid farm a few days ago, and its sight impressed us with the thought of those famous monastery lands in the Old World. In memory we saw again those lands in Europe round the walls of venerable abbeys, now, alas, stolen from their owners who reclaimed them from marshy bottoms or rocky hills. We thought that the Brothers on St. Joseph's Farm were doing again in precisely the same manner, the work which the sturdy, much-abused monks of earlier days and done. There, too, were the endless fields of rye and oats and wheat stretching nearly as far as the eye could see, with their beautiful green and yellow hues; there the plains of corn, and near by the rich meadows of tame hay being mowed down by four or five machines. (Bless the monks! We live in an enlightened age now). Here the stocks of scented hay; there the- what shall we call it? - the guard house, or relay house, or meal house? Perhaps it answers to all of these names, for there the meals are brought to the far-away harvesters from the distant and central farm house all through the land, from the northern and to the southern, an abundant stream of water flows, and is, we may say, one of the features of the prairie . . . The drainage has been carried out in the most systematic way, and its success has been complete."
    
    "Some very fine roads run along the main ditches and render all sections of the farm easy of approach. Miles of such roads have been made, miles and miles of fences enclose the beautiful fields with their rich harvests . . . on the same farm may be found hundreds of acres of peat, which is made into fuel for the use of the college some eight hundred tons are made there every year, and the supply is inexhaustible . . . The great feature of the farm establishment is the large sheds and fine cattle-yards, which are arranged on the most approved plans. Brother Matthew presides over the religious community . . . " 1872
    
    "Enclosed find the proper faculties for keeping the Blessed Sacrament at St. Joseph's Farm." JOSEPH DWENGER, BISHOP OF FT. WAYNE, 1884
    
    "When land was bought most of it was swampy. Notre Dame had it ditched, put into condition, so that now it is rich prairie land."
    
    (Recruiting for the Brothers' Novitiate, ) "Here, even more than in Europe, those that succeed in making money in the world do not think of giving it up. It would be better, at least for some years to come, to bring young postulants from beyond the seas, who are unacquainted with the spirit and the manners of the Americans. They will be more easily formed, and will offer better assurances of perseverance."  -- Sorin Chronicles. (1844)
    
    "A gate shall be placed at the bridge which leads to the novitiate to prevent the hogs and cattle from going and destroying our wheat."  -- Local Council, April 24, 1849
    
    efforts to maintain moral tone, scope for contemplation:  "The chapter discussed the question of the Novitiate and decided that the novices should not be allowed to teach in the College, play in the orchestra, or have control of any society, religious or otherwise, or be engaged in any occupation that would interfere with their novitiate."  -- Minutes of Provincial Chapter, 1870 (1870); "The novices should not be kept too long at manual labor, and should not form the habit of taking lunch."  -- Alexis Granger, C.S.C. (1869);  "It was decided that in future none shall be admitted as a novice who does not promise to cease using tobacco, and that no cigars shall be offered as previously on entry occasions."  -- Local Council. March 29, 1858
    
    persistent labor shortage, deteriorating quality of novice-laborers, need for skilled workers:  "...want of room and want of sufficient numbers has prevented the Congregation from the rapid growth which, otherwise, it should have obtained. Now, thanks to God, one of our difficulties is removed -- we have the room we need; the number is the thing we must pray for."  -- (1858); "The practice of sending out such subjects to teach cannot be blessed. They are a curse to the Community. They should be kept in the Novitiate or else sent away. How sending them out this way, not even 'half-baked' but before they were put into the oven, can be justified, I fail to see. Now this is the case in Cincinnati and Lafayette too. They are a scandal to the Brothers who justly say 'Why are they sent here?' Discontented, discouraged, complaining against superiors are the fatal consequences of such a policy. Where there are so many unavoidable causes of dampening their ardor in the work of God, they justly complain of the avoidable cause."  -- Report of Father Cooney's Visitation to the schools. (1873); "If a two year novitiate would enable some of the young Brothers to acquire a greater stock of knowledge (apart from any religious consideration) I think it would be an excellent thing to adopt. It is true that many of those who were very backward left the Community within the last few years, still they are not all gone."  -- Brother Ireneus to Sorin -- from Trenton, N.J. Feb. 6, 1883
    
    (end excerpts)
    
    note:  Granger, IN named after Father Granger, who arrived at Notre Dame from France in October 1844, passed away shortly thereafter
    
    Parts of St. Joseph's Farm sold 1874?  See:
    C.C. Lancaster to Howes Goldsborough 1874/10/24
    Rt. Rev. T.A. Becker has agreed to buy St. Joseph's farm at the valuation of two impartial persons; one is to be selected by D.J. Foley and the other by Lancaster. Foley has selected Mr. John Rhodes, and Lancaster selects Goldsborough. Goldsborough is to make the valuation and report it to Lancaster and Foley. Lancaster sends his respects to Mrs. Goldsborough. The whole of St. Joseph's farm was bought and paid for by the Jesuits. Fr. Joseph Moseley received money from Fr. Marmers and with it he bought land from Parson Miller and Sarah Millington. (see also subsequent records)
    
    source:
    http://classic.archives.nd.edu/findaids/ead/index/ZCC002.htm
    
    St. Joseph Farm Parish became St. Pius X Parish > 1950.
    
    In the early 1920's, the Klan was actively harassing the Catholic community in South Bend as well, where Notre Dame was the center of the Catholic community.  The Klan headquarters was at the intersection of Michigan and Wayne Streets.
    
    see also:
    
    http://www.archives.nd.edu/hope/hope26.htm
    
    South Bend's Studebaker Corporation, founded in 1852, later became an important producer of automobiles (production ceased in 1963).
    

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¹ death certificate

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