james walker
1888-1972
Life Story
Biography
Birth and Family Background
James Walker was born on February 1, 1888, to Luke Walker (1842–1912) and Lydia Evans (1855–1900). After the death of his mother, he was reared by his father and stepmother, Virginia Evans, within the extended Walker–Evans family network rooted in Newton County, Mississippi.
Early Life and Occupation
From an early age, James worked as a farm laborer, reflecting the agricultural economy that sustained many African American families in the region. By 1920, he was employed in railroad construction in Wayne County, Mississippi—work that often drew Black laborers into physically demanding but essential infrastructure projects across the state.
Marriage and Family
James married Lula Walker (1884-?), and from this union three known children were born:
- Willie Mae Walker (born 1913)
- Annie B. Walker (born 1916)
- Rosie B. Walker (born 1916)
Later Years and Migration
By 1930, James and his family were residing in Smith County, Mississippi, where he continued working as a laborer. In both the 1940 and 1950 census records, James and Lula were living in Tunica, Mississippi, where he was employed as a farmer. This movement reflects broader patterns of labor migration within Mississippi as families sought agricultural and wage opportunities.
Military Service
James Walker served in World War I. He enlisted on September 3, 1918, and was honorably discharged on March 18, 1919. His service places him among the generation of African American men who answered the nation’s call during the First World War, often returning to communities that offered limited recognition but relied heavily on their labor and leadership.
Death and Burial
James Walker passed away on January 30, 1972, in Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama. He was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard in Newton County, Mississippi, returning in death to the community and sacred ground that connected generations of the Walker family.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Alabama, U.S., Deaths and Burials Index, 1881-1974
- Mississippi, World War I Service Cards, 1917-1919
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War I Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
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