Walker, Levi (1)

a prominent layman of the Baptist denomination, was born in Rutland, Vt., May 22, 1777, and is said to have been the first white male born in that town. He removed to Whiting, Vt., with, his father's family in 1784, and was one of six brothers, all farmers in that town, their farms adjoining and forming one of the best tracts of land in Addison County, embracing about twelve hundred acres on the Otter Creek. He was appointed, under president Madison's administration, assessor for the towns of Whiting and Leicester, and for several years was the first constable of Whiting, and for a time, also, a selectman of the town. Like his brother, James Otis, he was proverbial for his generosity and his public spirit. "If there was a house of worship to be built, a minister of religion to be obtained and supported, any benevolent object to be aided, or public improvement to be accomplished, his purse and influence were generously offered, and to these was owing the success of many a benevolent and useful enterprise." In his will he bequeathed to the town of Whiting twenty acres of land at Whiting Center, one acre to be used for a cemetery, and the yearly income of ten acres to be appropriated to the support of common schools, and the income of the remaining nine acres to maintain the preaching of the Gospel. He died July 27, 1822. Upon his gravestone is this inscription, "The memory of his public spirit will outlast this monument, which marks the humble spot where he lies." See the Walker Memorial. (J. C. S.)