Walker, Joseph Robinson, 1836-1901

Utah businessman.

From the description of Joseph Robinson Walker account books, 1860-1862. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122598714

Joseph Robinson Walker, a prominent Utah merchant and banker, was born on August 29, 1836, in Yorkshire, England. After his father suffered substantial losses in railroad speculation, the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where Walker and two of his brothers worked as clerks for local merchants. Following the death of his father and two sisters, Walker, his mother, and brothers moved to Utah in 1852. Walker worked for merchant William Nixon, and was actively involved in his business dealings. Capitalizing on the Utah War and establishment of Camp Floyd (Fort Crittenden), the Walker brothers, funded by P.J. Hickey, established a store that sold supplies to the military outpost. They soon expanded into banking and mining enterprises (including the Alice Gold and Silver Mining Company), and were also involved in establishing the Utah Liberal Party. After refusing to pay tithe to the Mormon Church, the brothers asked to be removed from the Church rolls, and were subsequently excommunicated. Brigham Young encouraged Mormons to boycott the Walker Brothers store and bank, but they continued to flourish throughout the Civil War years. The Walker Brothers Bank became the First Interstate Bank in 1981. Walker died in 1901.

From the description of Letter to Benjamin Silliman, 1880, August 4. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 609420268

Banker and businessman in Utah.

From the description of Joseph Robinson Walker papers, 1837-1901. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122638580

From the guide to the Joseph Robinson Walker papers, 1837-1901, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)

Utah businessman and banker.

From the description of Joseph Robinson Walker letter, 1872. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122535448

From the guide to the Joseph Robinson Walker letter, 1872, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)