william walker
1882-1948
Life Story
Early Life
William “Will” Walker was born on February 19, 1882, in Newton County, Mississippi. He was the son ofLuke Walker(1843–1912) and Lydia Evans Walker (1855-1900), making him part of the large and historically significant Walker–Evans family network that shaped the Bethel, St. John, and Altare communities.
Will grew up in a farming household and completed the 6th grade of elementary school, a notable level of education for African American children in rural Mississippi during this period.
Marriage and Family
First Marriage – Mamie Anderson (1884–1924)
Will’s first marriage was to Mamie Anderson, and from this union one child was born:
- T. C. Walker (1904–?)
Mamie passed away in 1924, and Will later remarried.
Second Marriage – Cherrie Wash (1902–1991)
Will later married Cherrie Wash, with whom he built a large family. Their known children were:
- Willie Grace Walker (1927–2000)
- Ludie Mae Walker (1928–2014)
- Carnelia Walker (1929–?)
- Geraldine Walker (1930–?)
- Mollie Mae Walker (1931–2002)
- James Walker (1932–?)
- Wilbert Walker (1932–?)
- George Frank Walker (1933–2000)
- Mamie Walker (1934–?)
- Wilford Walker (1937-2022)
- Marvin Walker (1938–?)
- Loraine Charles
Through these children, Will became a patriarch of one of the largest branches of the Walker family in Newton County.
Occupation and Daily Life
William Walker spent his life working as a farm laborer, contributing to the agricultural economy that shaped the county for generations. His work supported a large household and reflected the daily realities of Black farmers in early– to mid–20th-century Mississippi.
Later Years and Death
Will Walker passed away on February 29, 1948, at the age of 66. He was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, where many members of the Walker, Evans, Chapman, Rigsby, Moore, and Wash families are buried.
His burial in this historic cemetery connects him to generations of kin whose lives were entwined across Newton County’s Black farming communities.
Legacy
William “Will” Walker’s life reflects the strength, endurance, and family-centered values of the Walker lineage. Through his two marriages and many children, he helped establish a large and enduring family network that remains deeply rooted in Newton County. His descendants continue to shape the legacy of the Walkers in the Bethel and Altare communities.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
- U.S., WWI Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918
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