Her full name: Chastina Holman

Daughter of John Greenleaf Holman and Rachael Stevens

Wife of John Young Walker, married 8 Dec. 1881 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA


Chastina Holman Walker was the daughter of John Greenleaf Holman and Rachel Stevens, born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Utah, Nov. 30, 1859, born in a small adobe house on the Henson Walker lot with Sister Clark (grandmother) attending. She was a beautiful blue-eyed baby with soft golden hair adding to her loveliness, even as a tiny tot she wa adored by all who knew her.

She developed a special fondness for her father, a genial handsome man. When she was less than three years old, he left for a mission to Great Britain. Frequently Tina, as she was called, would approach another child's father and half crying, say, "My Pa's gone to England." The only toy Chastina had was a doll fashioned of worn clothing and for interest and amusement with her brother and sister, there was only a tin plate an spoon or perhaps some empty spools.

She was the pride and joy of the adults, especially her great grandmother Stevens, who was blind, but would fondly her tenderly saying she could tell how beautiful she was. Keen and ambitious even in childhood, she would care for her younger brother and other children while her mother, gradnmother Tilda and two of her mother's sister-in-laws were busy making butter and cheese. The foods brought a good price and they were experts at making them. Their buttermilk also became famous, and at one time, Holden was called Butter-Milk Fort.
After more than threeyears Tina's father returned from his mission and came for them with an ox-team and wagon. they traveled for a week inthe winter time, stopping at night with friends as was the custom. She recalls when nearing theri home twon of meeting an acquaintance who gave them some candy hearts. also the return to their home, atwo-roomed adobe house with a mud roof that leaked, so they had to live in the home of the first wife for a short period until the roof could be repaired. Chldren weren't allowed much time for playing when Tina was young, but when possible, they played the usual games of childhood, and they also loved to run on top of the rock wall that surrounded the old fort.
She was kept busy helping her mother in the home, washing and ironing, knitting and sewing, cording and weaving, helping to make candles and soap, and cooking the meals. In the summer she would gather ground-cherries, shell and scald and dry them, pick currants, goose berries and other fruits on shares.
When Tina first attended school, it was only held for a short period in the winter, this was under Uncle Avey. Through her own efforts she entered the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, where she received her Normal Degree in the spring of 1880. She tuaght school for one year in the Primary grade at Manila, Pleasant Grove District.
At the age of tweleve, she began working in the homes of her heighbors, doing housework and caring for the children. She lived several years in Sandy at the home of Uncle Ezekiel Holman, where she cared for the home and children, while their parents run the store. It was during this period that President Brigham Young died, and she attended his funeral in Salt Lake City.

Dec. 8, 1881 she was married in the Salt Lake Endowment House to John Young Walker, a Pleasant Grove boy of fine character whose father was also a Pioneer of July 24, 1847. They lived in Pleasant Grove for three years. They have 8 children. Her husband was called to the Bistish Mission for two years and she successfully carried on the family affairs in his absence. By the hard work of she and the children, they were able to support him and keep the family free of debt.
Chastina Walker will long be remembered because of her willingness to help the unfortunate, and to care for the sick and needy.
She was an active church worker, and at one time was president of YWMIA, and for many years was a visiting Relief Society teacher. She also served on the sewing and quilting committees. Later she was a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She was always willing to sustain her husband, visit with him when he was a counselor in the Bishopric, and during his other church service.

On Nov. 14, 1902 a son Ray Bertrum, passed away from diphtheria after having been ill for only a few days. This was a terrible shock to them as he was in his early manhood, just approaching the prime of life. In the spring of 1917 they sold the farm to the two sons Leonard and Richard, and moved to Pleasant Grove.
After her husband's death in 1922 she helped support herself by takig maternity cases in her home. She also went into other people's homes to care for the sick and bed-ridden. Chastina assisted at the time of the birth of her grandchildren, and a few of the great grandchildren.

On July 26, 1932 her daughter Ethel W. Fenton passed away after having been ill for sometime, and she helped a great deal before her deth and in the home of several months after.
For the next ten years she spent sometimes visiting with friends and relatives in Utah, Idaho, Arizona and California. Also she spent much time reading, crocheting, knitting, and making quilts. Much of this work can still be found in the homes of her family today.
Gradually her eye-sight became so poor that she could no longer care for others and continue sewing. This was a great trial after she had been so active. She spent her last few years living with her children.
On July 7, 1945 she had the misfortune of falling and dislocating her hip. All that human hands, skill, faith, and prayers was done, but she gradually grew weaker and on July 19, 1945, she passed away at the home of her daughter, Estella W. Gillman, in Orem, Utah.
The funeral services were held Sunday July 22nd in Pleasant Grove First Ward with Bishop Lewis Olpin conducting. Relatives from far and wide attended the impressive services, highlighted by beautiful floral offerings. Interment was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery and she was buried the side of her dear husband who had preceded by her twenty-two years.
Chastina Holman Walker left a posterity of five living children, 52 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. they now number 357.
She was a kind and loving mother, always ready to sacrifice for her children, and she taught then to live th eprinciples of the Gospel and to be hinest, upright citizens.
Her life might be typified by a tribute paid her at the funeral by a lifelong friend, Rosa B. Hayes, which follows:

A BUILDER
Not of money'd fortune, not of fame
But of valiant worth good deeds proclaim
Deeds of bravery and self sacrifice
Toilsome deeds of skillful device.

Ye who know this wonderous builder
Know might of self hath never willed her
Twas hope and peace and sweet content
In homes where pain had pleasure rent.

By Estella Walker Gillman, Daughter