Gilbert Carlton Walker

Gilbert Carlton Walker (August 1, 1833 – May 11, 1885) was a United States political figure. He served as the 36th Governor of Virginia, first as a Republican provisional governor between 1869 and 1870, and again as a Democratic elected governor from 1870 to 1874. He was the last Republican governor of Virginia until Linwood Holton took office in 1970.

Gilbert Carlton Walker
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879
Preceded by	John A. Smith
Succeeded by	Joseph E. Johnston
Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor
In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877
Preceded by	James Monroe
Succeeded by	John Goode, Jr.
36th Governor of Virginia
In office September 21, 1869 – January 1, 1874 Provisional Governor from September 21, 1869 – January 1, 1870
Lieutenant	John F. Lewis John Lawrence Marye, Jr.
Preceded by	Henry H. Wells (as Provisional Governor)
Succeeded by	James L. Kemper
Personal details
Born	August 1, 1833 Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Died	May 11, 1885(1885-05-11) (aged 51) New York, New York
Resting place	Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, New York
Political party	Republican (before 1870)
Other political affiliations	Democratic (after 1870)
Alma mater	Hamilton College
Profession	lawyer, banker

Early and family life

Walker was born in South Gibson, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

Legal career

Walker studied law in 1854 and was admitted to the bar in 1855. He practiced in Owego, Broome County, New York, from 1855 to 1859 and in Chicago from 1859 to 1864. He moved to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1864 and practiced law and banking.

Political career

Walker served as Governor of Virginia from 1869 to 1874. He also served as a Democrat in the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Congresses. In the Forty-fourth Congress he was chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. He did not stand for reelection in 1878.

Later years

Walker settled in Binghamton, New York, in 1879 and resumed his private legal practice. He moved to New York City in 1881 and served as president of the New York Underground Railroad Company.

Death and legacy

He died in New York City. His remains were returned to Binghamton for interment in Spring Forest Cemetery.

Electoral history

• 1869; Walker was elected Governor of Virginia with 54.15% of the vote, defeating fellow Republican Henry H. Wells.
• 1874;

Walker was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 55.33% of the vote, defeating Republican Rush Bargess and Independent R.A. Paul.

• 1876; Walker was re-elected with 53.64% of the vote, defeating Republican Charles S. Mills.

References

• United States Congress. "Gilbert Carlton Walker (id: W000054)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

External links

• A Guide to the Governor Gilbert Carlton Walker Executive Papers, 1869-1873 at The Library of Virginia

Party political offices
Vacant Title last held by John Letcher	Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia 1869	Succeeded by James L. Kemper
Political offices
Preceded by Henry H. Wells as Provisional Governor	Governor of Virginia 1869–1874	Succeeded by James L. Kemper
Preceded by James Monroe Ohio	Chairman of House Education and Labor Committee 1875–1877	Succeeded by John Goode, Jr. Virginia
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by John A. Smith	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 3rd congressional district 1875–1879	Succeeded by Joseph E. Johnston