B106 - Martin Frederick Walker, 1891

Martin Frederick Walker was born in Richmond, Victoria, Australia on 22 Nov. 1891, the 1st child of Joseph, and his 2nd wife, Charlotte (born Edmunds) Walker.

Martin attended primary school at Yinner South State School, followed by two years, 1906 & 7, at the Friends School in Hobart. Upon completion of his schooling he returned home to Riverdale farm to help his father.

On 12 Jan. 1916, Martin left Australia by ship via New Zealand and South America for England, arriving in London on the 16th March. He started work for the War Victims Relief Service and just 2 months later went to Holland where he worked in a camp for Belgian refugees. He returned to England in May, 1918. Almost immediately he joined the Friends War Victims Relief Corps in France, where he was involved in reconstruction work, until 1919. On 30 Oct. 1919 Martin left England to return to Australia, reaching Melbourne on 13 Dec. and thence on home to Riverdale.

On 25 Jan. 1921 Martin married Althea Beatrice Hurst at the Congregational Church of East St. Kilda, Victoria. Thus, it would seem that Martin "Married Out", as it were, from the Friends. Althea was a sister of Tom Hurst who married Dorothy Dixon, daughter of Margaret Ellen Walker.

Martin and Althea had 6 children, all born at Morwell, Victoria:-

After Martin's father died in 1925, Martin and his brother Charles operated Riverdale in partnership. In 1940 they divided the farm between them, Martin's section remained as Riverdale and Charles' section became known as Drumrossie.

During his life at Riverdale Martin was very active in community affairs. He served on the Morwell Shire Council for 53 years, during which he was appointed President on four separate occasions. He was also a member of the Morwell District Community Hospital Committee, the Latrobe Valley Ambulance Committee and the Fire Brigade. His interests included the foundation of the Herd Test Association in Victoria in 1921, the State School Calf Clubs and activities with the Scout movement. Photography was a lifetime hobby which began at the Friends School at Hobart.

Martin Frederick Walker died on 20 Jun. 1977, at Riverdale, at age 85. He was buried in Hazelwood cemetery near Morwell, Victoria. His wife, Althea Beatrice Hurst, died three years later on 11 Mar. 1980 at Riverdale, at age 88. She too was buried at Hazelwood cemetery.

This picture is a copy of the front of a post card written by Martin on 19 Nov. 1932 to his cousin Ada Walker (1876-1951), daughter of Thomas Walker (1832-1903) in Canada. Martin writes:-

"Dear Cousin Ada:- I'm hoping this will find you in time to convey a wish from us that you may have a Happy Christmas and bright New Year. These are our five daughters. From left to right they are Gwen, Dorothy, Yvonne, Betwyn and Carol. Yours Sincerely Martin F. Walker".

The card was obtained, along with several hundreds of letters which were left by Ada and Jessie Walker after they had both died.

This is a copy of a picture provided by Adrian Walker of Martin's entire family, taken on 26 April, 1986.

Back Row:- Dorothy Auchterlonie, Yvonne Byatt, Adrian Walker

Front Row:- Betwyn Walker, Gwen Gubby, Carol Campbell

Associated Records:-

• Link Art.- 3-Pg-3, 6-Pg-1 & 1A,

Sources:-

• Adrian Walker, Australia.

• Doug Watkins, Australia.

By:- H. L. Walker, Can. Rev.:- 14 January, 2005

Return to Biog 60.