Samuel Hamilton Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Hamilton Walker
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Samuel Hamilton Walker, circa 1846
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| Born | February 24, 1817 Toaping Castle, Maryland, U.S.
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| Died | October 9, 1847 (aged 30) |
| Occupation | Army Captain, Texas Ranger |
Samuel Hamilton Walker (born February 24, 1817 – died October 9, 1847) was an American army officer. He was a brave Texas Ranger captain and an officer in the armies of the Republic of Texas and the United States. Walker fought in several important conflicts, including the American Indian Wars and the Mexican–American War. He is also famous for helping to create a powerful gun called the Walker Colt.
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Who Was Samuel Walker?
Samuel Hamilton Walker was born on February 24, 1817. His family lived in Toaping Castle, Maryland. He was the fifth of seven children born to Nathan and Elizabeth (Thomas) Walker.
Walker's Early Military Adventures
In 1836, Samuel Walker joined the Washington City Volunteers. He fought in the Creek Indian Campaign in Alabama. After that, he worked as a scout in Florida until 1841.
In 1842, Walker arrived in Galveston, Texas. He served under Captain Jesse Billingsley. They fought against a Mexican invasion led by General Adrian Woll.
Captured by Mexican Forces
On December 26, 1842, Walker was captured by Mexican forces. He was marched all the way to Mexico City as a prisoner of war. He survived a very difficult event known as the Black Bean Episode. This was when prisoners had to draw beans to decide their fate. Walker was held prisoner for two years. He eventually escaped to Louisiana and then returned to Texas.
Joining the Texas Rangers
In 1844, Samuel Walker joined the famous Texas Rangers. He served under the command of Captain John Coffee Hays. Walker quickly showed his leadership skills. He was promoted to captain himself.
As a captain, he led a Ranger company during the Mexican–American War. He served with important generals like Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott.
The Famous Walker Colt Gun
Samuel Walker is very well known for helping to invent a famous gun. It was a revolver called the Walker Colt. He worked on this project with the gun maker Samuel Colt.
How the Walker Colt Was Invented
Walker traveled to New York City to meet with Samuel Colt. He suggested making a new, more powerful weapon. It would be based on the popular five-shot Colt Paterson revolver.
Walker wanted to make many improvements. He suggested adding a sixth bullet. He also wanted the gun to be strong enough to stop a man or a horse with one shot. Plus, it needed to be quicker to reload.
At that time, Colt's gun company was not doing well. But Walker's idea and the large order for the new gun helped Colt start a new company. Colt hired Eli Whitney Junior, who already made weapons, to help build the new revolvers.
Colt asked Samuel Walker to help with the design. Walker was stationed in Washington temporarily. Colt used his own ideas and Walker's improvements to create the final design.
Making the First Walker Colts
Eli Whitney Junior produced the first 1,000 guns. These were known as the Colt Walker revolvers. The company then received another order for 1,000 more. Colt made a profit of $10 from each gun.
By 1847, the new revolver was ready. The United States Army's mounted rifle companies used them. The guns proved to be very effective in battle.
Samuel Walker's Death
On October 9, 1847, Samuel Walker was killed. He was leading a cavalry charge during the Battle of Huamantla. A sniper's bullet hit him.
The next year, his body was moved to San Antonio. On April 21, 1856, Walker was reburied in the Odd Fellows' Cemetery in San Antonio. This was part of a memorial for the Battle of San Jacinto anniversary.
Walker County, Texas, was later named after him. It was originally named for Robert J. Walker, but he sided with the Union during the Civil War.
Images for kids
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Samuel Hamilton Walker, circa 1846
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The death of Capt. Walker
See also
In Spanish: Samuel Hamilton Walker para niños
