Gilbert C. Walker

Walker was born in Binghamton, New York on August 1, 1833, the son of Sabinus Walker and Matilda (Galloway) Walker. He attended academies in Delaware, New York and Binghamton, New York, then attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts from 1851 to 1852. In 1854, Walker received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. While in college, he became a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity, and he won the college's first prize for declamation during his junior year. He studied law with Judge Horace S. Griswold of Binghamton and was admitted to the bar in 1855. In 1857 he received his Master of Arts degree from Hamilton. ==Legal and business career==

Walker practiced in Owego, New York, from 1855 to 1859, and in Chicago from 1859 to 1864. Walker was also a director of the Atlantic Iron Works and Dock Company and served as its president from 1866 to 1869. Walker was president of Richmond, Virginia's Granite Insurance Company from 1874 to 1878 and editor and publisher of the Richmond Enquirer from 1874 to 1875. ==Political career==

Walker served as Governor of Virginia from 1869 to 1874. He did not stand for reelection in 1878. ==Later years==

Walker resettled in Binghamton, New York, in 1879 and resumed his legal practice. He moved to New York City in 1881, where he continued practicing law. Walker remained active in business ventures, including serving as president of the New York Underground Railroad Company. ==Death and burial==

Walker died in New York City on May 11, 1885. He was buried at Spring Forest Cemetery in Binghamton. ==Family==

In 1857, Walker married Olive E. Evans of Binghamton. ==Electoral history==

• 1869; Walker was elected Governor of Virginia with 54.15% of the vote, defeating fellow Republican Henry H. Wells. • 1874; Walker was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 55.33% of the vote, defeating Republican Rush Bargess and Independent R.A. Paul. • 1876; Walker was re-elected with 53.64% of the vote, defeating Republican Charles S. Mills. ==Notes==