James A. Walker

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James Alexander Walker (August 27, 1832 – October 21, 1901) was a Virginia lawyer, politician, and Confederate general during the American Civil War, later serving as a United States Congressman for two terms. He earned the nickname "Stonewall Jim" for his days as commander of the famed Stonewall Brigade, which at one time had been led by its namesake, Stonewall Jackson.

Walker was born near Mount Meridian in Augusta County, Virginia. He attended private schools as a youth and attended Virginia Military Institute. In 1852, he was expelled just before his graduation for alleged disobedience in Jackson's classroom. Cadet Walker had challenged Professor Jackson to a duel over a perceived insult. Then, he studied law at the University of Virginia in 1854 and 1855 before being admitted to the bar the following year. He established a successful law practice in Newbern in Pulaski County. In 1858, he married Sarah A. Poague of Augusta County, Virginia. The couple would have six children. He became an attorney for the commonwealth in 1860.

With the outbreak of the Civil War and Virginia's eventual secession, Walker entered the Confederate Army in April 1861 as captain of the "Pulaski Guards," which soon became Company C of the 4th Virginia Infantry. In July 1861, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned to the 13th Virginia. Walker was again promoted, this time to colonel, in March 1862, leading his regiment in several actions. He was promoted to brigadier general and assigned command of the Stonewall Brigade in May 1863, leading it during the Gettysburg Campaign, where his regiment participated in the attacks on Culp's Hill.

When the war ended in 1865, he returned to his law practice and political career, being elected as a Democrat to the House of Delegates of Virginia in 1871 and 1872. VMI granted him an honorary degree in 1872 in recognition of his Civil War service. Five years later, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. In 1893, Walker switched allegiances and joined the Republican Party. He was elected to the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses (serving from 1895 until 1899. During his second term, Walker served as chairman of the Committee on Elections. After being defeated for reelection in 1898, he retired from politics and resumed his law practice. Walker died in Wytheville, Virginia, and was buried in the town's East End Cemetery.

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