My Genealogy Hound

Dr. James H. Walker (deceased) was born in North Carolina in 1798. In 1834 he came to Arkansas, and was a member of the convention that admitted the State in 1836. He was educated at Chappell Hill University, N. C., from which he was graduated in his youth. He moved to Alabama, thence to Tennessee, and from there to Columbus, Ark., locating at Columbus where, it is said he was the second settler. Here he practiced his profession, soon establishing a reputation that fast won him a handsome practice, and continued in the practice of his profession until the death of his wife which occurred in 1837. He was also a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was a strong man in the pulpit. He was for a long time associated with Dr. Stephens, an eminent M. D. After giving up his practice he embarked in the mercantile business, and was one of the most extensive merchants in Southern Arkansas. He also owned a large farm, and was one of the largest slave owners in the State. In his political views he was a Whig. He died suddenly of apoplexy in 1862. Dr. Walker was married three times: He was first married to Miss Jane Sampson, by whom he had four children, but one of whom, Mrs. Eliza Cheatham, of Clarksville, Tex., is living. He next married Miss Isabella Meredith, who bore him three children, of whom Rufus K. Garland is the only survivor. He then married Mrs. Lucetta Johnson, who bore him three children also, the only survivor being Robert W., of Kentucky. As will be noted, there were three children by each marriage, and one child by each wife now living. Dr. Walker was one of the prominent men of the State, and had a reputation for his skill as a physician which extended many miles.