----Source: 1881 HISTORY OF NORTHERN WI, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor (grammar as is), Pg. 250

B. F. WALKER, merchant, Colby, was born in Cumford, Yorkshire, England, Jan. 27, 1844. At the early age of six, he began making his way by working for the navies at a shilling a day at twelve, he smuggled himself aboard a ship, and when discovered the captain made him cabin boy. He was striving to reach his grandfather, who then lived in Buffalo, N. Y. He was soon after on a propeller on the lakes, and on arriving at Milwaukee went to work on Capt. Long's new farm but it didn't suit him, so he changed to Mr. Mane's farm, then to Adolph Winchell's but found a home at Mrs. Cooley's in Ozaukee County, where he stayed till 1866. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 35th Wis. V. served till 1865, and returned to his home in Ozaukee County where he entered into a stave and butter-tub factory, the firm being Walker Cooley sold out and came here, taking a homestead, and, in 1876, he opened his present business, doing a business of about $20,000 a year. In 1866, Oct. 15, he married Miss H. C. Taylor, of Ozaukee County. No Children. Mr. Walker belongs to the Masonic Lodge.