Lt. Colonel William Walker, C.S.A.

Lt. Col. William Walker, C.S.A.




Lt. Col. William Walker is listed on the first Winn Parish Census, 1860, as age 28, born in Alabama. Walker was the second Sheriff of Winn Parish, serving only a short time prior to enlisting in Confederate Service. He was elected as an officer in the 28th LA Infantry. It is not known exactly when, but Walker married Rosanna McCreight (pronounced McWright) and they had children. A mystery exists as to Col. Walker's place of burial following his death at the Battle of Mansfield. Reports are found that he was taken to the home of a relative at Mansfield where he died the following day. Other reports lead one to believe he died on the battlefield. According to Mansfield Commemorative Park personnel, it is believed Walker was buried at Mansfield Cemetery the day following the battle, his body disinterred a short while later, and removed to a family plot for reinterrment. If this be the case, he is probably buried beside his wife at the McDonald Cemetery, Rochester Community, just west of Jonesboro, Jackson Parish, LA. Mrs. Walker was a relative of the McDonald and Stinson families, prominent in early northwest Winn and south Jackson Parishes. Another note of interest, both parishes were full of Walkers during the era. A "headstoneless plot" exists at the McDonald Cemetery beside Mrs. Walker and between her grave and that of a young lady who appears to have been Colonel and Mrs. Walker's daughter. This also lends credence to his being buried there. Another sad mystery is that the Lt. Col. William Walker Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, was awarded the Colonel's sword in the early 1900s, but to this day efforts to locate this priceless piece of history have been futile.

Col. Walker was an early Winn Parish leader, politically and fraternally, serving not only as Sheriff, but as Worshipful Master of Eastern Star Masonic Lodge, Winnfield, and aided in organizing Montgomery Masonic Lodge, in what was then south Winn Parish. He also served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masons, a very high Masonic honor.

The Colonel's military record, like many others, is very scant. A search of the National Archives Compiled Service Record and Booth's Record yields little. But, he is referred to gallantly in many accounts of the Battle of Mansfield, falling in the charge at about the same time as did General Mouton. The Colonel's record of political, fraternal, and military leadership led to the Winn Parish Camp choosing his namesake.

Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, Louisiana.


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