Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 153

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 153

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Benjamin J. Walker was born in Edgefield district, S. C., in 1790, and was married in Wayne county, Miss., in 1818, to Catherine Huston, who was born in the state of Kentucky in 1800. They had born to them eleven children, of whom Henry Walker, the subject of this biographical notice, is the eldest. They removed to Simpson county, Miss., in 1826, and thence, in 1834, to Newton county, Miss., where they were among the earliest settlers. The father engaged in farming, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church, to which they contributed liberally. Henry Walker received a common-school education; he was born in 1820, and in the year 1841 he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss D. Evans, a daughter of Henry Evans, a prominent farmer of the community. Eleven children were born of this marriage, eight of whom are living: Elizabeth (wife of William Pierce), Frances C. (wife of Thomas Peoples), Watson F., Mary J. (wife of J. Chapman), H. B., Archie E., William E. and Jo E. In 1862 Mr. Walker responded to the call for men, and enlisted in Captain Carleton's company for six months; at the end of that time he enlisted in Cap- tain Grimes' cavalry company, Ninth Mississippi. He was captured at Savannah, Ga., December 21, 1864, and after his release he returned home and turned his attention to farm- ing. He owns about twelve hundred acres of land, the cultivation of which he superintends, and runs a cottongin and a gristmill. He is a man of unusual business qualifications, and has been prosperous in all his undertakings. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the family belong to the Baptist church. Mr. Walker is a liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises, and is a highly respected member of the community in which he lives.

Capt. Nelson Simmons Walker is a name that is well and favorably known through Claiborne and adjoining counties, and it may with truth be said that he inherits many of the characteristics for which the natives of the Empire state have become famous throughout the length and breadth of America-enlighted and progressive views, energy, honesty and courage. He was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., August 21, 1835, the fourth of six chil- dren whose names are as follows: Mary (deceased), became the wife of a Mr. Murray, a planter; Dwight B. was a successful business man of West Winfield, N. Y., and died at the age of forty-five years; George F. is a prosperous merchant of Melbourne, Australia (he first emigrated to that distant land in 1850; was there married and retured to America, after which he again returned to Australia, and is there now living); Edward Everett resides at Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is engaged in merchandising; Julia is the wife of Horace Kinney, of Saginaw, Mich., and Nelson Simmons. The father of these children, Ira Walker, was born in York state in 1798, and as a merchant amassed quite a fortune. His wife, Julia (Foster) Walker, was also born in that state, and both were educated in the public schools, and throughout their lives were patrons of education. Their deaths occurred March 7, 1873, and 1881, respectively. Nelson Simmons Walker received his early educational training in the common schools of New York, after which he entered the West Winfield academy of Herkimer county, and took a full English and business course of instruction, which admirably fitted him for the practical life he has led. He finished his schooling in

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1854, and then commenced the voyage of life for himself at the age of nineteen years as a salesman in a general store without any capital whatever, so far as money was concerned. He, however, possessed a stout heart, willing hands and a determination to succeed, and has kept steadily to this determination until he is now one of the prosperous men of the county in which he resides. He remained in business until the opening of the Civil war, when he enlisted as a private in a Mississippi regiment, and was promoted through the various stages of third lieutenant, second lieutenant and was made captain of company E, after the second battle of Manassas, his commission coming direct from the hand of the Southerner's ideal of a chieftain, Gen. Robert E. Lee, a man whose fame, honor, bravery, integrity and true worth will ever be perpetuated in song and story. Mr. Walker took an active part in the following battles: All the engagements around Yorktown, Williamsburg, second Manassas, Seven Pines, seven days' engagement around Richmond, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Mine Run and the three days' engagement at Gettysburg. Mr. Walker was in thirty-two engagements during the war. He was wounded in the left leg at the battle of second Manas- sas, which confined him about one month in the hospital. The retreat from Pennsylvania was one continuous fight, and during this time he was in the siege of Petersburg, Burgess Mill and the sieges of Forts Baldwin and Gregg. He surrendered with Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, and afterward went to Washington, D. C., via City Point, thence to New York, and from there to New Orleans. While they were in Washington, on account of the intense excitement over the death of President Lincoln, the Southern troops that had sur- rendered and been paroled were arrested and placed in prison at Alexandria, where they were confined for thirty days. They were then released, owing to a letter that was sent pri- vately to General Grant, and in charge of an officer came to New Orleans.

Mr. Walker once more commenced at the bottom of the ladder as a salesman, but was soon after elected to the position of treasurer of Claiborne county, and held the position from 1867 until Governor Ames compelled him to evacuate the position to make room for a republican. In 1875 he was chosen clerk of the circuit court, but after he had ably filled this position for two years, J. P. Briscoe, then chancery clerk, was killed, and he was appointed to fill the unexpired term, making him the incumbent of two important county offices at one time. In 1878, the sheriff, Dr. Charles E. Buck, was killed and he was succeeded by Mr. Heslip, who died one month later, upon which Mr. Walker was appointed to fill the vacancy by Governor Stone, a position he has filled by re- election up to the present time, which fact speaks in an eloquent manner as to his efficiency, courage and popularity. November 26, 1867, he was married at Port Gibson, Miss., to Miss Frances Kennard, the ceremony being solemnized by Rev. J. A. B. Jones. Mrs. Walker was born October 3, 1844, and received her education in the Port Gibson Female academy, from which she graduated in June, 1861. She possessed great natural ability, stood remarkably high in her classes and would have been selected as valedictorian of her classes, but, on account of her youth, her parents objected. Her parents, Joseph L. Kennard and Araminta B. (Palmer) Kennard, were born January 22, 1815, and April 11, 1818, in Queen Anne and Kent counties, Md., respectively. The latter was a very finely educated lady, and received her scholastic train- ing in Baltimore, Md. Her marriage with Mr. Kennard took place at Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 1837, their license being obtained from William Henry Harrison (the grand- father of President Benjamin Harrison), who at that time was a justice of the peace. Their marriage resulted in the birth of seven sons and seven daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been blessed in the birth of four children: Nettie K. is the wife of W. B. Hopkins, of Columbus, Miss., is an exceptionally fine musician and is well educated;

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8. H. Lower MI.

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Fannie Belle died at the age of twenty-two months, Florence died at the age of six weeks, and Nelson, who is a bright little lad of seven years. Mrs. Walker is an ardent member of the St. James' Episcopal church at Port Gibson, and she and her husband are very charitable, contributing liberally to all worthy enterprises.

Mr. Walker is a member of the A. F. & A. M., being worshipful master of Washington lodge No. 3, having ably filled all the subordinate offices of his lodge. He is a member of Clinton chapter No. 2, of which he has been high priest twice, has held all the official positions of Port Gibson council No. 36, and was one of the charter members of the Cœur de Lion commandery No. 13, having been several times eminent commander of the same. He was elected grand treasurer of the grand commandery of the state of Mississippi, a position he held for several years, and in 1888 was elected grand commander of the grand commandery of the state of Mississippi for one year, and at present is a member of all the above named lodges. He is also a member of Franklin lodge No. 5, of the I. O. O. F. of Port Gibson, having filled all the chairs of his lodge, and at the present time is its treasurer. He belongs to the K. of H., the K. of P. and the A. L. of H. He is an earnest worker in the Episcopal church, and since the organization of the Sunday-school in 1868, he has been its superintendent. It opened with an attendance of three, but now has on an average sixty members. He is a director of the Port Gibson bank, the Port Gibson Brick company, and in every respect is a public-spirited man, and an honored, useful and influential citizen. He is in easy circumstances, financially, and has an income sufficiently ample for all neces- sary expenses. During the negro insurrection in 1875, Mr. Walker displayed much coolness and courage in quelling the turbulent spirits of the negroes and whites, and his delibera- tion and knowledge of human nature were instrumental in saving the lives of many.

Dr. W. E. Walker, a successful dentist of Bay St. Louis, was born in New Orleans, La., in 1868, and is a son of Dr. J. R. Walker, deceased. The father was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., August 7, 1830, a descendant of ancestors distinguished for intelligence, learning and integrity. In 1834 the family removed to Michigan, where the son acquired the rudiments of a good education. His seventeenth year he spent in teaching and study in Illinois. There he also began the study of dentistry, which he continued the following year at Albion, Mich., while he was attending the academy at that place. The next year he was under Dr. Foster, of Jackson, Mich., who was one of the best dentists of that day. In order to perfect himself further in his profession, he went to the Eastern cities, where he made the acquaintance of the finest operators, and familiarized himself with their latest improvements and discoveries. He then resumed his literary studies at Antioch college, Ohio, and in the year 1854 went to Texas, where for four years he enjoyed a lucrative practice. At the out- break of the Civil war he enlisted in the Confederate cause. He served until the end of the conflict, gaining the reputation of a cool, daring and reliable scout. After the surrender of General Lee he returned to New Orleans, where he had taken up his residence in 1858. In May, 1861, he was married to Miss Camille Viavant, whose death occurred a few months later. August 7, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Jeanie Mort, a woman of refine- ment and education, who was born of English parents. She is a native of the state of New York, but, before the war, came South as a governess. She has made some contributions to literature that show much study and natural ability. She is the author of Captain Fry, the Cuban Martyr, and Letters from a Mother to a Mother, on the formation, growth and care of children's teeth. She has contributed to and edited departments in various newspapers and scientific and dental journals, being well and favorably known to the dental profession as Mrs. M. W. J. She is an honorary member of the Southern Dental association and of 1II

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the State Dental societies of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Five children were born to the Doctor and his wife: Lizzie A., Dr. W. E., Flora C. (deceased), Katie R. and J. Mort. In 1866 Dr. J. R. Walker was elected a fellow of the New Orleans academy of science; in 1870 he became a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in 1875 a fellow of the same body. In 1857 he was made a member of the Mississippi Val- ley Dental association, and in 1870-71 he was vice president of the American Dental asso- ciation. In 1875 he was president of the Southern Dental association. He was one of the regents of the Maryland Dental college from the foundation of that institution. In 1876 he was elected professor of operative and dental surgery in the New Orleans Dental college. It will thus be seen that the position he held, both in scientific and professional circles, was no inconsiderable one, and that his ability and attainments were highly esteemed. In 1866 he became a member of Merchants' lodge, I. O. O. F., and soon after joined Hobah encamp- ment, passing rapidly through the official chairs of the order to that of grand patriarch of the state of Louisiana, in 1871. Closely devoted to his profession, science and literature, he took but little interest in politics, although he was a bitter enemy to fraud and corruption. He was liberal in his religious views, courteous and genial in his manner, and a general favorite with all whom he met. Dr. Walker died June 22, 1887. Dr. W. E. Walker was educated in the various schools of New Orleans, and, while a youth, began the study of den- tistry. He entered the Baltimore college of dental surgery, and was graduated from this institution in 1889, receiving the degree of D. D. S., receiving also a handsome gold medal. He began his practice at Bay St. Louis, Miss., and in a short time has built up a patronage almost phenomenal. He also has an office at Pass Christian, and is always closely engaged. At the annual meeting in 1891 he joined the Mississippi State Dental association, and was elected secretary of that body. He is a young man of unusual intelligence, and thoroughly understands his business. While a student in the dental college he gave some time to the study of the science of medicine, but did not complete the course. Dr. Walker is unmarried.

William Henry Wall, merchant, Sardis, Miss., was born near Lynchburg, Va., on the 29th of June, 1838, and was the eldest of five children born to Charles B. and Henrie A. (Davies) Wall, natives also of the Old Dominion. The father was a merchant by occupation, removed to Iowa in 1840, and there his death occurred in 1854. He was a successful bnsi- ness man, never failed, and never ran in debt. William Henry Wall remained in Iowa until eighteen years of age and then received an appointment to the Naval academy at Annapolis, Md., and remained there two years. During this service he made one cruise at sea, going to the Azore islands on the United States sloop of war, Preble. At the end of two years and while on leave he resigned his position, came South, and located in Sardis, Miss., in 1859. When the war broke out Mr. Wall enlisted in the Sardis Blues and was made first lieutenant of his company. On reaching Corinth the company was formed into the Twelfth Mississippi regiment of volunteers nnder Colonel Griffith and started to the first battle of Manassas, but arrived too late to participate in it. Mr. Wall was then made adjutant and after serving in that capacity for twelve months was sent as adjutant of Hughes' cavalry regiment to Port Hudson, La., to fortify that point. One month later he was appointed lieu- tenant in the Confederate States navy and ordered to report at Savannah, Ga., for duty on board the gunboat, Atlanta. One month later he was detached from the boat and ordered to report for duty at Charleston, S. C., on board the Confederate States ironclad Chicora, where he remained for two years, participating in all the bombardments of that place. He was then ordered to Richmond, Va., to take command of the Confederate States gunboat Drewry, and participated in all the engagements there until his vessel was destroyed by the

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enemy's battery. Then he and Capt. Charles W. Read were ordered to go to Shreveport, La., to take charge of the Confederate States gunboat Webb, and run her down Red river, past New Orleans to sea, to be used as a privateer. In this daring move they went twenty- seven miles below New Orleans before they were captured. They set the vessel on fire and then surrendered. In that exceedingly dangerous trip, when the enemy had complete con- trol of the Mississippi river and their gunboats were stationed all along its banks, every ten or fifteen miles, not once were they fired upon by the enemy until they reached New Or- leans. This expedition was regarded as one of the most daring of blockade running of the war. After being captured he was taken as a prisoner of war to Fort Warren in Boston harbor, and when General Kirby Smith surrendered he took the oath of allegiance and came home. In 1869 he was united in marriage to Miss Adelle Coleman, a native of Panola county, Miss., and a daughter of Edwin and Amanda (Pope) Coleman, natives of Kentucky. The six children born to this union are named in the order of their births as follows: Adelle B., Nettie C., William D., Charles E., Kate G. and Pope C. Miss Nettie is quite an artist and is now teaching art and shorthand in Lexington, Miss. Miss Adelle makes music a specialty and has taught music for some time. Mr. Wall has given all his children good educational advantages. Since the war Mr. Wall has been engaged in merchandising and was for twelve years cashier of the Bank of Sardis. He is now its vice president. At the present time he is in the hardware and furniture business in Sardis. He has a handsome residence in Sardis, is a stockholder in the Sardis bank and in the American Building and Loan Association of Memphis, in which he is also a director. Mr. Wall and family are members of the Methodist church and he is steward in the same. He is also a school director. He has repeatedly represented the state of Mississippi in the supreme lodge of the Knights of Honor. He is also a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a member of the American Legion of Honor and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is one of the most energetic, enterprising men in the county.

Of the many prominent citizens of Leake county, Miss., who owe their nativity to the Pal- metto state, stands the name of R. L. Wallace, circuit clerk, Carthage, Miss., who was born in Chester district on the 14th of June, 1831. His father, W. L. Wallace, was a native of the same state and district, born in 1783, and was of Scotch descent. The latter grew to manhood and was educated in Chesterville and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was married in South Caro- lina to Miss Elizabeth Love, who was a native of that state, born in York district. After his marriage Mr. Wallace moved to Alabama, settled in Perry county in 1833 and there be resided a number of years. In 1846 he moved to Mississippi, settled in Leake county, engaged in farming and there his death occurred in 1857. His wife received her final summons in 1868. The paternal grandfather was a native of the Keystone state, but at an early day emigrated to South Carolina. Of the six sons and one daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace only two now survive, viz. : R. L. and Thomas A. R. L. was the eldest of this family, grew to manhood and received his education in Leake county, where he has carried on farming ever since. In 1871 he was elected clerk of the circuit court of Leake county for four years, was re-elected at the expiration of his term, and has now served for twenty consecutive years in that capacity. He has the enviable and merited reputation of being the best circuit clerk in Mississippi, and is very popular with the people of the county. He attends strictly to the duties of his office, is courteous, social and pleasant to all, is the most accommodating of men, and has a host of warm friends. He was married in this county in November, 1853, to Miss Mary Hall, a native of South Carolina, where she was reared and educated, and the fruits of this union were six children, viz .: Irene, wife of J. A. Boyd of Leake county;

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Sarah F., wife of E. C. Angling; R. H., married; N. F., also married; Minnie F., wife of L. L. Wallace, and Mary A., a young lady. Mrs. Wallace, who was a devoted and consist- ent member of the Methodist church, died in May, 1886. Mr. Wallace is a Royal Arch Mason, and has filled different positions in that organization. He owns a good farm on Pearl river, near Carthage, and has followed agricultural pursuits for some time.

Eric William Wallin is one of the oldest settlers of Vicksburg, Miss., and is now retired from active business. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1822, and was educated in that country. He came to America in 1839, and having learned the trade of a machinist in his native land, he began working in the shops in New York city, but was afterward with the noted inventor, Captain Ericsson, and worked on some of his patents. In 1840 he enlisted in the United States navy on the ship North Carolina, but three years later came to Vicksburg. The following year he returned to Stockholm on a visit, and remained there a year and then returned to Vicksburg, and since that time has made a permanent settlement here, and has followed varions occupations, in which he has been fairly successful. He has held various positions of trust and responsibility, and was elected to the honorable position of mayor of Vicksburg in the year of 1866. This was the first election held after the reconstruction of the state, and the majority he received over his competitors gave abundant proof of his great popularity. In 1866, while holding the position of mayor, he introduced the first steam fire engine in the city, which the citizens called the E. W. Wallin, out of compliment to his untir- ing energy for the success of Vicksburg. He has been most active in advancing the interests of the city, and is one of her most substantial, progressive and respected citizens. During the war he was a city officer, and was not in the army. During the siege of Vicksburg many balls passed through his residence, evidences of which are still apparent. He was married in 1848, and his wife, Mrs. Barbara Wallin, noted for her Christian charity, died on the 15th of January, 1891, at the advanced age of sixty-six years. He has a beautiful Southern home in the northeastern part of the city called Springfield, where he resides with his daughter, Mrs. Wilhelmina M. Halpin. His other children have long since gone to the silent city of the dead. His son Robert Henry died in 1857, Maria Regina died in 1863, and his son Gustave William died in 1873.

Harvey W. Walter. In all human existence there is no blending of virtues so rare and admired as those which characterize the true philanthrophist, which eliminate all idea of self from hnman actions, and devote an individual to the service and welfare of his fellow- creatures. Such was the character of the Savior of mankind, and one may only look for such along the path in which He trod, among those who, like the subject of this sketch, have imbibed His spirit, and followed His teachings which enjoin " that greater love than this has no man, to lay down his life for his friends." Harvey W. Walter was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 21st of May, 1819, while his parents, who were natives of Virginia, were temporarily residing in that state, and at an early age removed with them to Kalamazoo, Mich., where they settled and lived to a venerable age. Both father and mother were noted and highly respected for their noble and generous qualities, and it was from this source that Mr. Walter imbibed in his earliest youth that noble spirit which adorned his character and stamped his life upon the pages of virtue and of fame. During his early years his father enjoyed the possession of wealth and afforded his son every advantage, but having sud- denly lost the greater portion of his property by an unfortunate investment he could no longer render him assistance. At the tender age of fourteen years young Walter found his fate depending upon his own resources, but buoyed up by his genius and ambition, and sup- ported by the staff of a virtuous resolution, he stepped out upon the journey of life, and

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while no glittering prospects charmed his view, his destiny was hallowed with the devout benisons of a father's blessing, and the guerdon of a mother's prayers. These were his only patrimony. With them he went forth, and with his energy and determination soon cleared away the untoward circumstances that clustered along his youthful pathway. He alternately tanght and attended school, and by this means obtained a collegiate education. Having com- pleted his course in college, and seeking for a propitious field for his future labors, he turned his attention toward the South, as if impelled by those warm and generous feelings which sought the accord and mutuality always vouchsafed by that people with whom his lot was destined to be cast. About 1838 he joined the throng of emigrants who were pressing into the beautiful country which had recently been acquired from the Indians in north Mississippi, and having determined upon the profession of law, he taught school two years at Salem, in Tippah county, as a means of support while preparing for the bar. In 1840 he obtained his license and located in Holly Springs, where every prospect which energy, integrity and latent will could engender in a fruitful field smiled immediately upon his career. He soon took his position in the front rank of his profession, and achieved pre-eminence at a bar which was scarcely excelled by any in the South .. His remarkable talents and indomitable energy were kindled and fueled by the able competition amid which he began his forensic career, and the blaze of his eminence continued in the ascendant. His ability extended in every direction of usefulness, and his name became associated with every enterprise for the advancement of the interests of his country, and for the promotion of the honor and welfare of Mississippi. It was mainly through his exertions that the Mississippi Central (now Illinois Central) railroad was projected and pushed to completion, an enterprise which he foresaw to be necessary to the development of his section of the state, and to the accomplishment of which he devoted his energy and means liberally and unweariedly.

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 153

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314