Joseph A. Walker (colonel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Allen Walker
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| Born | May 18, 1835 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | January 27, 1902 (aged 66) Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Buried |
Oakwood Cemetery, Spartanburg, South Carolina
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| Allegiance | Confederate States |
| Branch | Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 5th South Carolina Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Allen Walker was an important military leader during the American Civil War. He was a colonel for the Confederate States and led the 5th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. He also served in Jenkins' Brigade, which was part of the Army of Northern Virginia.
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About Joseph Allen Walker
Early Life and Family
Joseph Allen Walker was born on May 18, 1835, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Before the war, he worked as a clerk and a merchant. He also married Susan Elizabeth Walker.
Just a few months before the American Civil War began, Joseph Walker helped create a group called the Spartan Rifles in Spartanburg. He was chosen to be their captain.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Joseph Walker's Spartan Rifles became Company K of the 5th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. This happened on April 13, 1861. Walker led this company for about a year.
On April 15, 1862, he was moved to a group called the Palmetto Sharpshooters. There, he became a lieutenant colonel. Later that year, on July 22, he was promoted to a full colonel.
Colonel Walker then joined Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. He became the main colonel of a group known as Micah Jenkins' brigade. He fought in important battles like the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam.
In 1864, while the war was still going on, Walker served as a representative for South Carolina. He surrendered near the end of the Civil War.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Joseph Walker went back to being a merchant until 1875. Then, he worked in the cotton and fertilizer business until 1885.
After that, he helped restart the Merchants and Farmers Bank and became its president. He also served as the Mayor of Spartanburg for about 10 years. Joseph Walker passed away on January 27, 1902. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Spartanburg.
James L. Kemper, another military leader, once said that Walker was "A capital soldier, a good disciplinarian, and peculiarly adapted to command our citizen soldiers." This means he was a very good soldier and leader.
