Born in Pennsylvania, Samuel Walker learned the cabinet maker’s trade as an apprentice. In 1849, Walker moved to Ohio and speculated in real estate. Following his wife’s death from cholera, Walker relocated to the town of Lawrence, Kansas Territory in 1854. Walker soon returned to Ohio and convinced a number of families to return with him to Kansas. Not being able to find enough land in Lawrence, the group continued west and settled in Kanwaka Township, Douglas County where Walker started farming. After being threat-ened by pro-Slavery Missourians, Walker helped organize the Bloomington Guards, a militia company, and Walker was first sergeant. Walker’s company soon became part of the Free State Militia and led his men in many of the fights during “Bleeding Kansas.” Walker served in the Topeka Free State legislature and was Douglas County Sheriff for four years. At the start of the Civil War, Walker mustered in on June 1, 1861, as captain of Company F, 1st Kansas Infantry. Walker was promoted to major of the 5th Kansas Cavalry on May 24, 1862. Wallker was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 16th Kansas Cavalry on October 29, 1864. On March 13, 1865, Walker received a brevet promotion to brigadier general. Walker mustered out with the 16th Kansas Cavalry on December 6, 1865. After the war, Walker returned to Douglas County and was elected to the State Senate. Walker was also appointed major general of the Kansas State Militia.
Gleed, “Samuel Walker.” In Transactions of the Kansas State Historical Society 1897-1900 Vol. VI, edited by George W. Martin, 249–74.
Connelley, A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans, Vol. III, 1223.
Kansas Adjutant General, Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas, 1861-’65, 6, 41, 125, 534.