He served for many years as a steward for the Gloucester and Essex circuits and the Richmond District of the Methodist Church. In addition to his church activities, Walker held several public positions, including overseer of the poor in 1828 and surveyor of the road in 1831 for King and Queen County. Walker also served as executor for the estates of his father and of Joseph Temple. He died in 1867 at Chatham Hill. Collection Overview Walker's journal is most useful for the study of religious life, plantation finances, and slavery in and around King and Queen County.
Information appears on camp meetings, church business, and Methodist preachers.
Often the movements of preachers on their circuits can be traced from the entries. Walker also provided some insight into the race and gender of converts at camp meetings. The journal documents Walker's finances thoroughly, including his income and expenditures. Some information, principally notes on suits filed and fees paid, appears on Walker's legal actions as executor of his father's and Joseph Temple's estates. Several entries provide information on slaves holding skilled positions outside the household or fields.