James Alexander Walker

He was dismissed from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) late in his senior year, May 1852, based on charges [trial summary] by Professor T.J Jackson, and he challenged Jackson to a duel (which did not happen). He studied law at the University of Virginia (1854-55) and then practiced law at Newbern, VA.

By 1861 he was a Captain in the Pulaski Guard (later Company C, 4th Virginia Infantry), and served at Harpers Ferry under Jackson. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 13th Virginia Infantry and in February 1862 was promoted to Colonel. He led them on the Shenandoah Valley campaign, at the Seven Days, and at Second Manassas.

He commanded Trimble's Brigade in Ewell's Division of Jackson's Command.

He commanded Early's Brigade of Ewell's Division at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, promoted to Brigadier General in May 1863, then led the Stonewall Brigade of Johnson's Division at Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, where he was seriously wounded. He commanded Early's Division in the Second (II) Corps at Petersburg and Appomattox.

He was a farmer, lawyer, politician, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (1877), and a US Congressman (1895 - 1899).

His service and bio basics from Warner1 and his bio sketch at VMI. His gravesite is on Findagrave. His picture from a c. 1865 photograph in the VMI Archives Photographs Collection.

He married Sarah Ann "Sally" Poague (1835-1904) in 1858 and they had 6 children.

8/27/1832; Augusta County, VA

10/20/1901; Wytheville, VA