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 byJohn A. Smith
Succeeded byJoseph E. Johnston
Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor
In office
March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877
Preceded byJames Monroe
Succeeded byJohn Goode, Jr.
36th Governor of Virginia
In office
September 21, 1869 – January 1, 1874
Provisional Governor from September 21, 1869 – January 1, 1870
LieutenantJohn F. Lewis
John Lawrence Marye, Jr.
Preceded byHenry H. Wells (as Provisional Governor)
Succeeded byJames L. Kemper
Personal details
BornAugust 1, 1833
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
DiedMay 11, 1885(1885-05-11) (aged 51)
New York, New York
Resting placeSpring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, New York
Political partyRepublican (before 1870)
Other political
affiliations		Democratic (after 1870)
Alma materHamilton College
Professionlawyer, banker

Early and family life

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

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.
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
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