Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Fred A. Walker papers
- Dates:
- 1889 - 1892
- Abstract:
- Correspondence and memorial cards relating to Iowa native Fred A. Walker, a car inspector for the Central Pacific Railroad. He died March 27, 1892, age 25, in Sacramento, after having one of legs crushed at Blue Canyon. Correspondence includes letters to Fred A. Walker from family and friends in Texas, Kansas and California. Mr. Walker was also an amateur photographer. The scenic photographs in this album include views with Central Pacific locomotives, trains, the right of way, and towns between Colfax and Donner Summit, California.
- Extent:
- 1.2 Linear Feet (2 containers)
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Fred A. Walker Papers, MS 454, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence and memorial cards relating to Iowa native Fred A. Walker, a car inspector for the Central Pacific Railroad. The correspondence includes letters to Fred A. Walker from family and friends in Texas, Kansas and California. The photo album is comprised of 4x7" black and white images of the Central Pacific Railroad from Colfax to Donner Summit. Includes an image of the B.C.A.A.C (possibly the Blue Canyon Athletic Association Club in Blue Canton, CA.) as well as images of Blue Canyon from above, snow scenes, as well as images of people posing on rocks.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Fred A. Walker, a native of Iowa, was born between 1865 and 1867. He was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad as a car inspector. While boarding the fire train, which ran daily from Blue Canyon to Cisco, he missed his footing and fell to the ground. The train passed over his leg, amputating it. Walker died March 27, 1892, age 25, in Sacramento. The March 28, 1892, issue of the Sacramento Bee states that he died in the railroad hospital.
The March 30, 1892 issue of the Sacramento Bee describes additional details of Walker's funeral. According to the article, it took place at the Congregational Church with services rendered by Rev. J.B. Sicox. The pallbearers were O. Weyant, J. Dorman, T. Carroll, G. Moylan, J.J. Regan and C. Herdenuch. Flowers were sent by the Blue Canyon Athletic Club and Phil. Doughlas' wrecking crew. The funeral was largely attended by railroad men.
The March 28, 1892, issue of the Sacramento Union states that his relatives live in the city [Sacramento].
Depending on the newspaper, his age ranges from 25 years, 8 months and 17 days to 27 years.
Walker was also an amateur photographer.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Arthur Newman, 1978
- Arrangement:
-
Arranged by item type
- Physical location:
- Statewide Museum Collection Center Big Four Building
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-02-26 00:19:43 +0000 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright has been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. Permission for publication must be submitted in writing to the CSRM Library & Archives.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Fred A. Walker Papers, MS 454, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.
- Location of this collection:
-
111 I StreetSacramento, CA 95814, US
- Contact:
- (916) 323-8073