- Reuben Lindsay Walker
Reuben Lindsay Walker (
May 29 ,1827 –June 7 ,1890 ) was a Confederate general who served in theartillery during theAmerican Civil War .Early life
Born in Logan, Virginia, (now
West Virginia ), Walker graduated from theVirginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1845. He then became acivil engineer , and later, a farmer in Virginia.Civil War
When the Civil War began, Walker took command of the
Purcell Artillery unit. After seeing action at First Manassas, Walker became the chief of artillery to GeneralA.P. Hill . When Hill was promoted tocorps command, Walker became the head of the Third Corps artillery.Lindsay Walker, as he was known, amassed a lengthy combat record, serving in every one of the
Army of Northern Virginia 's major battles except the Seven Days campaign (he was ill at the time). He commanded the artillery during the siege ofHarpers Ferry during theMaryland Campaign , just prior to theBattle of Antietam . In all, Walker served in 63 battles and engagements and was never once wounded, despite being a large target at 6'4" tall and despite often serving in very hot fighting. Walker was promoted tobrigadier general onFebruary 18 ,1865 .Post War career
After the war, Walker moved to
Selma, Alabama , where he headed theMarine & Selma Railroad . He returned to Virginia in 1876 and became an engineer for theRichmond & Allegheny Railroad . As a civil engineer, Walker oversaw the construction of an addition to theVirginia State Penitentiary and theTexas State Capitol building.Death
Walker died in
Fluvanna County, Virginia , and was buried in Richmond's famousHollywood Cemetery .
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