| Joseph Edison Walker | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 31, 1879[1] Tillman, Mississippi, USA |
| Died | July 28, 1958 (aged 79) Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Alcorn Meharry Medical College |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Universal Life Insurance Company and TriState Bank of Memphis |
Joseph Edison Walker (March 31, 1879–July 28, 1958) was a leading African American businessman who founded the Universal Life Insurance Company and Tri-State Bank, both of Memphis, Tennessee.
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Walker was born on March 31, 1879[1] (some sources indicate 1880) in Tillman, Mississippi to George and Patsy (Wheeler) Walker.[2]
In 1903, Walker graduated from Alcorn College in Lorman, Mississippi. He graduated from medical school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.[2]
On October 26, 1906, he married Lela O'Neal.[2] This union produced two children, Johnetta Elmo Walker [Kelso] (June 14, 1907–January 5, 1995) and A(ntonio) Maceo Walker (June 7, 1909–June 8, 1994). Mrs. Walker died in 1954. Dr. Walker secretly married the former Louise S. O'Reilly, a 30-year-old school teacher on September 28, 1957.[3][4]
In 1923, Walker founded the Universal Life Insurance Company in Memphis, Tennessee, and served as its president until 1952.[2]
Dr. Walker and his son, A. Maceo Walker, founded Tri-State Bank & Trust Company (later Tri-State Bank of Memphis)) in 1946. Dr. Walker served as president of the bank until his death.[5]
On July 28, 1958, he was shot to death in his office by J(udge) W(ashington) Hamilton, a former deacon of the non-denominational Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, founded by Dr. Walker. Dr. Walker and Hamilton were once close friends, but their relationship began to sour after Hamilton was unable to repay a $8,000 loan. Despite being attacked by Hamilton with a cane in April 1956, Dr. Walker refused to file charges against him or hire a bodyguard.[6][7]
His death was widely reported in the media. It was estimated that 35,000 came to view his casket as his body lay in state.[7]
Dr. Walker's will, drafted before his second marriage, left the bulk of his estate to his two children. Louise O'Reilly Walker filed a "widow's dissent" with the Probate Court because no provision was made for her in the will.[4]