Background
David Davis Walker was born on January 19, 1840 on a farm near Bloomington, Illinois. His father, was George E. Walker (1797–1864) and his mother, Harriet Mercer (1802–1869).
Businessman president founder of Ely
David Davis Walker was born on January 19, 1840 on a farm near Bloomington, Illinois. His father, was George E. Walker (1797–1864) and his mother, Harriet Mercer (1802–1869).
He started his career as a dry goods wholesaler in Saint Louis, Missouri. At age fourteen, he was sent to the Beloit Preparatory Academy, part of Beloit College in Wisconsin. In 1857, Walker went to Saint Louis for business training with the merchandiser Crow, McCreery & Company, then the largest wholesale dry goods house in the city.
He worked his way up from office boy, and became a partner after just eight years with the firm.
He became ill as a result of his workaholic habits, quitting in 1878, and spent the next two years recovering. In 1880, he went back to work, forming Ely, Walker & Company with Frank Ely and others
The business was a huge success, and in 1883 it was incorporated as the Ely & Walker Dry Goods Company. He remained President of the company until 1892, and thereafter retained the largest interest in the firm.
His great-grandson, George H. West. Bush, and his great-great-grandson, George West. Bush, both served as Presidents of the United States.