Quick Facts
LeoBiography
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.
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.
