Student, Soldier, Husband: 1853-1877

Cyrus Walker spent his early years at his parents' mission of Tshimakain on Spokane Indian lands. In later childhood, his family moved south to Forest Grove, Oregon. There, Cyrus attended and graduated from Tualatin Academy. He chose to become a farmer instead of continuing hist studies at Pacific University, something he would come to regret later. During this time he met and married his first wife, Lucy Maria Tanner. In December 1864 he left his farm in Umatilla County to join the Union Army. When the war ended, he returned to farming in Yamhill County with his wife. Sadly, the couple was beset with money problems, and his wife and daughter left him about five years into the marriage. In dire financial straits, Cyrus moved back to Forest Grove. He set about rebuilding his life, trying out teaching and considering work as a missionary or government agent.