John Walker

John Walker was born on October 15, 1770, in Brunswick County, Virginia. He later relocated to Kentucky before settling in Howard County, Missouri, in 1818. Walker married Sarah Caffery in 1800; she was a niece of Rachel Jackson, the wife of President Andrew Jackson.

Walker was part of a prominent Kentucky political family. His siblings included U.S. Senator George Walker and U.S. Congressman David Walker. He was also the uncle of James D. Walker, David S. Walker, and Richard K. Call. His son, John George Walker, served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Approximately ten years after moving to Missouri, Walker was elected to the Missouri Senate representing Howard County. In 1833, he was elected as the State Treasurer of Missouri. During his tenure, a local legend states that Walker kept government funds in an iron-bound oaken chest and did not lock or bolt the office, instead sleeping on top of the chest at night.

Walker died in office on May 26, 1838. Following his death, approximately $400 in government funds was reported missing. At that time, the amount was roughly equivalent to $11,619 in 2024 currency. Despite the missing funds, the Missouri General Assembly exonerated Walker of any wrongdoing in relation to misappropriation of funds. His estate received compensation for his service as state treasurer.

Several years posthumously, the missing money was found hidden between the metal lining and the walls of the chest in which Walker reportedly stored the funds.