vmicraig
Sergeant
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2018
- Location
- London, England
Interesting how he ended up in the Stonewall Brigade even after challenging Stonewall to a duel as a cadet!
Biographical Information
Biographical Information
- Early Life
James Alexander Walker, born August 27, 1832, Augusta Co., Virginia. Parents: Alexander Walker and Hannah Hinton. Paternal grandparents: John Walker and Elizabeth Connelly. Maternal grandparents: Benjamin Hinton and Sarah Hopkins. - VMI record
Entered VMI on August 23, 1848; court-martialed and dismissed May 1852, for disobedience in the classroom of Maj. Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson; he subsequently challenged Jackson to a duel; granted honorary degree in 1872 in recognition of his war career. - Marriage
In 1858, Sarah A. Poague [Poage] of Augusta Co., Virginia. They had six children. - Pre-Civil War
Studied law at the University of Virginia (1854-1855) and began the practice of law in Newbern, Pulaski Co., Virginia. Elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Pulaski Co. in 1860. - Civil War
Organized Pulaski Guards which became Co. C of the 4th Virginia Infantry; commissioned Lt. Col. 13th Virginia Infantry; Promoted to Brigadier General in the Stonewall Brigade in May 1863; severely wounded at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864; in Jan. 1865 was assigned to Early's Division. - Post-war
Resumed law practice in Newbern; active in local and state politics; served two terms in state legislature; 1877 elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, serving until 1881; 1895-1899 served in U.S.Congress; died at Wytheville, Virginia on October 20, 1901.