Charles L. Walker facts for kids
Charles Lowell Walker (1832–1904) was a talented writer of hymns for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is most famous for writing the words to the hymn "Dearest Children, God is Near You." His songs often helped people feel better during hard times.
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Early Life and Journey to Utah
Charles Walker was born in 1832 in a town called Leek, in England. When he was seven, his family moved to Manchester. In 1845, when he was 13, Charles joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His father, William Gibson Walker, baptized him.
In 1849, Charles left England to travel to Utah Territory in America. He made it as far as St. Louis that year. Many people traveling with him became very sick with cholera. Charles then moved to Kentucky and worked hard to earn money. He wanted to help his parents come to America. Later, he went back to St. Louis. There, he served as a helper to the leader of a local church group, called a ward.
In 1855, Charles got a job as a teamster. This meant he drove wagons to carry goods to Salt Lake City. His sister, Ann Agatha, was married to a Church leader named Parley P. Pratt. This connection helped Charles get a job working for Mr. Pratt.
Life in St. George
Charles Walker later became a blacksmith, someone who works with metal. In 1861, he married Abigail Middlemass. She was also a member of the Church and came from Popes Harbour, Nova Scotia. In August 1862, Charles was asked to move to St. George, Utah. This was part of a special effort called the Cotton Mission.
It was in St. George that Charles Walker's gift for writing songs really shined. People in the area, sometimes called Utah's Dixie, said that the community grew strong because of "faith, hard work, and Charley's songs." When people were sad or facing difficulties, Erastus Snow, a Church leader in Southern Utah, would often ask Charles, "Charley, write a song to lift our sadness."
Charles Walker's Journal
Charles Walker also kept a daily journal about his life in St. George. This journal gives us a look into what life was like back then. A version of his diary was published in 1980 by Utah State University Press. It was put together by Karl and Katherine Larson.
In 1893, Charles wrote in his journal about something important. He recorded that a man named John Alger had shared a memory from his childhood. John Alger said he had heard Joseph Smith tell the story of the First Vision. This is the last known record of someone sharing a First Vision account who heard it directly from Joseph Smith himself.
Community Contributions
Charles Walker was very involved in his community. He helped publish the first newspaper in St. George. He did this with Orson Pratt, Jr., Joseph Orton, and George A. Burgon.
Besides trying to grow fruit trees, Charles was a successful blacksmith. He also worked as a stonemason. He helped build important buildings like the St. George Utah Temple and the St. George Tabernacle. When the St. George Temple was dedicated, the choir sang a song that Charles had written for the special event. He was also one of two people who witnessed the first baptism for the dead performed in the temple.
Charles Walker also served in local government. He was the Assistant City Marshall and a lieutenant in a local military group called the Nauvoo Legion. He also served as a helper to a bishop in St. George.
Charles Walker had a large family. He had 16 children in total. Sadly, four of his children passed away when they were young. Two of his married daughters also passed away before him.
