Samuel Walker, a prominent physician of the Tenth District, was born February 8, 1848, in Dekalb County. He is the fourth of seven children of Hampton and Mary (Hicks) Walker, both of whom were also natives of Dekalb County. The father was born in 1811. He served two years in the late war, at the expiration of which time he was discharged on account of disabilities. His death occurred in November 1886. The mother was born in 1813.
Our subject received his literary education in the common schools of Missouri, attending later two terms at the Kirksville branch of the State Normal School in the same State. At the age of thirteen he became a member of Company C, Second Tennessee Cavalry. He was orderly sergeant. The first six months, on account of his youth, he was excused from carrying arms by Gen. Forest. He took part in the battles Tissue Mingo Creek, Harrisburg, Miss., Abbyville, also in the famous raid of Memphis, Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro, and numerous skirmishes and expeditions in which Gen. Forest participated. The command surrendered May 8, 1865, at Gainesville, Ala. He then returned home. After his father’s death he went to Missouri, where two of his brothers preceded him. In partnership with Dr. Myers, of Queen City, Mo., he dealt in stock two years; they were so successful that our subject was enabled to educate himself for his chosen profession. After studying medicine in Dr. Myers’ office, in 1874, he attended Missouri Medical College, after which he engaged in the drug business with Dr. Myers. The winter of 1874-75 he took a course of lectures at the Physicians and Surgeons College, at Keokuk, Iowa, where he graduated in the spring of 1875, with high honors. He began his practice with Dr. Myers, who gave him a share in an extensive and lucrative patronage. The spring of 1878 Dr. Myers died, and owing to a severe illness Dr. Walker was forced for a time to give up his practice. He came to Middle Tennessee to regain his health. In August 1878, he established himself in his present location, and is now one of the leading and most popular physicians of the county. He is a comparatively young man, talented and highly esteemed both in professional and private life. His possessions are the fruits of his own labors and industry. He is a stanch Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant.
February 8, 1880, he wedded Miss Sarah H., daughter of John and Jane (Mauldon) Glenn. Mrs. Walker was born March 14, 1861. Five children were born to their union: Laura, an infant, deceased; Claude, Mary Jane and Samuel Rosco.