Walker, William Johnson
Dates
- Existence: 1789 -- 1865 - 1865
Biography
Abstract:
William Johnson Walker (1789-1865) was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts and eventually graduated from the Massachusetts Medical College in 1813. During the War of 1812, Walker practiced medicine in France and studied with French physicians. At the end of the war, he continued his studies in London for six months before returning to his native Charlestown to open a practice. He would later be appointed physician and surgeon of the Massachusetts State Prison and consulting surgeon to the Massachusetts General Hospital. After practicing medicine for thirty years, Walker became a wealthy manufacturing and railroad owner. During his lifetime as well as after his death in 1865 he was a significant donor to Tufts College among others institutions.
William Johnson Walker was born on March 15, 1789 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the son of Timothy A. Walker and Abigail Johnson Walker. He was prepared for college at Phillips Academy and attended Harvard University, graduating in 1810. He then commenced studying medicine with Dr. John Brooks of Medford, Massachusetts, and eventually graduated from the Massachusetts Medical College in 1813.
During the War of 1812, Walker practiced medicine in France and studied with French physicians. At the end of the war, he relocated to London and continued his studies for six months before returning to his native Charlestown to open a practice. He would later be appointed physician and surgeon of the Massachusetts State Prison and consulting surgeon to the Massachusetts General Hospital.
After practicing medicine for thirty years, Walker turned his attention to manufacturing and railroads, thereby amassing a significant fortune. During his lifetime, he gave $200,000 to Tufts College, the Natural History Society of Boston, Amherst College, Williams College, and the Institute of Technology in Boston. In his will, he gave an additional $800,000 to Tufts College, the Natural History Society of Boston, Amherst College, and the Institute of Technology.
William Walker married Eliza Hurd (1793-1870) in 1816 and they had eight children He died in 1865.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
William J. Walker Papers
This collection contains a brief biographical sketch of William J. Walker, correspondence, an extract from Walker's will, and Tufts University resolutions related to Walker's bequests to Tufts University. The materials document Walker's financial bequests to Tufts College.
