Walker, Bernard Humphrey (1826-1917) | Sargeant Memorial Collection

Bernard Humphrey Walker was born in Mount Elba, King and Queen County, Virginia on August 1, 1826. Walker came from a long lineage of doctors and followed his ancestors into the profession. In addition to medicine, Walker farmed and recorded details about weather and crop conditions. Religion featured heavily in Walker's life; he was a devoted member of Smyrna Christian Church. Walker resided in King and Queen County during the Civil War; he was involved with the Confederate cause, and he recorded much of the war's events in his diaries.

Walker married Dorothea F. Bagby on February 12, 1851, and together they had eight children. Walker died in Norfolk, Virginia on January 1, 1917 at the home of his son, Dr. Rowland H. Walker. Dorothea Walker died on March 20, 1904. Both Walker and his wife are buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.