Biography of Eli C. Walker, page 378. History of Northeast Indiana; 
LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial 
supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. 
McIntosh.  The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago and New York, 1920.

   Eli C. Walker has been a prominent businessman of Auburn for a number of 
years and consistent with his position in business is also the city’s chief 
executive.  His popularity in Auburn is very well shown by the results of 
his election to the position of city mayor.  Although the opposing candidate 
was a prominent attorney and businessman of wide experience, Mr. Walker 
received the largest number of votes ever cast for any candidate in this 
city.  Assisted by a Council of excellent businessmen, Mayor Walker has 
given Auburn a splendid administration, of which the people are justly 
appreciative.
   He was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 2, 1868, son of George W. 
and Caroline (Neidig) Walker.  His father, who was born in Chester County, 
Pennsylvania, was two years old when his parents moved to Stark County, 
Ohio.  He grew up there and was married to Caroline Neidig, who was born 
in that county.  They lived on a farm in Stark County, Ohio, until1880, 
when the Ohio property was sold and the family came to DeKalb County, 
Indiana, locating in Richland Township.
   George W. Walker died there, May 2, 1915, and his widow is still 
living. Both were members of the English Lutheran Church, and he was a 
veteran of the Civil war, having answered his country’s call as a 
volunteer soldier.  He was also a Master Mason and a republican in 
politics.  Of a family of six children five are still living: Charles 
E.M., of Auburn; Maggie, wife of Frank Boren, of Richland Township; 
Jennie, wife of Bert Mochamer, of Auburn; Amelia, wife of Ezra Rohm, of 
Grant Township; and Eli C.
   Eli C. Walker was twelve years old when brought to DeKalb County.  He 
continued his education in the district school, also the Auburn High 
School and the Tri- State Normal at Angola.  Many residents of this county 
remember gratefully his services as a teacher.  He taught for fifteen 
years, eleven in the district schools and four years was head of the 
Corunna Graded School, which he organized.
   He was married to Edith Chaney, who was born in Richland Township in 
this county.  His wife possesses a marked religious character, which has 
been a determining factor in the lives of her husband and children, 
contributing not only to their happiness but also to any accomplishments 
to which they may have attained.
   After his marriage he gave up school work and for a time was assistant 
cashier of the Thomas Exchange Bank, of Corunna.  In 1903 he moved to 
Auburn and became associated with the La Due & Carmer Company in the 
shipping business. While connected with this firm the family moved to Fort 
Wayne, where they lived for three years. After returning to Auburn he and 
associates incorporated the J.M. Cramer Company, July 1, 1915.  Soon after 
this Mr. Walker bought a controlling interest and continued to manage the 
corporation’s affairs until he sold out May 14, 1919.
   Mr. Walker has been quite active in politics and was elected mayor in 
November, 1917, beginning his official term January 7, 1918.  He is 
district steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Auburn, and has 
served as superintendent of the Sunday school both here and at Trinity 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne.  He has also served in many other 
lay capacities.   Mr. Walker is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of 
Mizpah Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Fort Wayne.  He is also an Odd 
Fellow, and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star at Auburn.
   To his marriage were born three children: Victor O., who is a graduate 
of Auburn High School and a Purdue University student, is employed as a 
engineer with the S.F. Bowser Company at Fort Wayne.  He is married to 
Carrie Archer.  Clement is a graduate of the Auburn High School and is 
still at home.  Marie, the only daughter, died July 11, 1915, while a 
student at the Auburn High School.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com