John Walker

John was born at Leeds being the eldest son of Thomas. He spent much of his early life with horses which seemed to be his main interest. Thought his life John was a groom in the Northallerton district. In 1847 he married Jane Dawes (1824- 1897) at Rippon. The daughter of Robert Dawes. John and his family came to NZ in 1885 on the "Queen Margaret", landing at Nelson and then moving to Wanganui to join his brother George. John soon appears as a sportsman in the young settlement. He was a good cricket player and along with his brother George played for the Civilians against the Military. He was soon working with horses and a Stud Master. In the 1860's John was a Mine Host (Landlord) of the Aramoho Hotel and also developed a race course on his farm there and promoting many sporting events. During this period he was a despatch rider for the Military an was presented with a silver cup in 1865. At one time he covered the distance between Wanganui and Wellington in 11 hours. His fitness was shown when he raced against horses and at 70 challenged anyone of that age. John and Jane had a family of 5 sons and 2 daughters.