Walker Creek Private Archive
Walker Creek Private Archive
John Sanders (born 1868) was the founder of Sanders Mine and Walker Creek. He was the first Mayor, beginning as the leader of Walker Creek, and becoming the Mayor of Walker Creek County when it was founded in 1908. He began life as a farmer in New Jersey before moving to Texas to become a miner. He met his wife, Delilah, while working in Texas. In 1894, he was blamed for an accident in a Texas mine that he oversaw. He used his savings to purchase land in Washington in order to start his own mine. After its founding, he became the founder of Walker Creek, and later Walker Creek County.
He was the mayor from 1908-1928 before stepping down. During his tenure, he focused on building Walker Creek into the fully established county we know today, and worked with local business such as the Jones Farm, Robert Farm, Carter Company, and Magnil Lumber Co. often.
Emily Sanders, his great great great granddaughter, is the only remaining blood descendant of John Sanders still living in Walker Creek. She is not to be harmed out of respect for John Sanders. Without him, none of this would be possible.
A museum dedicated to John Sanders is located on Main Street. His birthday is celebrated on Sanders Day.