WHO WAS J. M. WALKER?

J. M. Walker's $1 and $3 Gold Buying Guide

Enterprising coin dealer J. M. Walker had the idea to distribute a card & envelope combination soliciting purchase of $1 and $3 gold coins from merchants and bankers. In early 1900 he wrote to the Mint Bureau requesting permission to quote mintage quantities for both coins on his promotional card. He was told it was OK to do, and when printing was complete he sent the mint a sample. The 3x5 card is two-sided and intended to be attached to a similar sized envelope. Merchants could put any gold they found in the envelope and send it to Mr. Walker for his "good premium" offer.

 

The 1900 Census shows Joshua Walker living at 223 Railroad Street in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Today that street is adjacent to an abandoned railroad line that also runs along Arch Street. Perhaps the name changed or perhaps the census taker was confused.

The Census shows that Joshua was born in April 1851, and married Lucy in 1873. His occupation was listed as foreman at a saw mill. The 1880 Census gives his occupation as carpenter. The 1910 Census gives his name as J. Marlin Walker, now on Arch Street and working as a foreman in a planing shop.

 

In 1895, Walker placed an ad in Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly, offering Fossil Fish and indicating that he was a dealer in minerals. The address at 223 Arch Street indicates that name was in use before the 1900 Census.

That same year he placed an ad in The Chatauquan offering free samples as a dealer in minerals. Based on his Census records, this was a side hustle and not his regular job.

There are other scattered records that add little to his story. He was not a significant coin dealer.

To read the complete discussion thread, see:
J. M. Walker - Buying $1 and $3 Gold (https://boards.ngccoin.com/topic/419199-j-m-walker-buying-1-and-3-gold/)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web