J. H. WALKER is a native of what is now Crittenden County, Ky., and a son of Robert A. and Nellie (Hickman) Walker. James H. Walker, subject's paternal grandfather, was a native of South Carolina, and died in that State as early as 1803 or 1804. Subject's maternal ancestors were Eastern people, his grandfather, Tighlman Hickman, emigrating from Delaware in about 1796, and, in company with his brother, William, settled in Bourbon County, where he shortly afterward married a Miss Sallie Shanks, with whom he became acquainted on the journey to the new country. Mr. Hickman resided in Bourbon County until 1804, when he moved to what is now Crittenden County, making the journey by water, locating near the mouth of Hurricane Creek on the Ohio River. He was drowned the same year of his arrival. Subject's mother, Nellie Walker, was born in Bourbon County, August 9, 1800, and was but four years old when the parents moved to their new home on the Ohio. Robert A. Walker was born October 23, 1800, and came to Kentucky with his grandfather, Col. Andrew Love, when but four years of age. He spent the greater part of his life in Crittenden County, and for twenty-one years was postmaster at the office which bears his name. In 1859 he was elected to the State legislature, serving one term besides several called sessions. He died November 24, 1876, at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Walker died December 22, 1868, aged sixty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Walker reared a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: William F. (deceased), Lucinda J. (wife of John Mitchell), J. H., Mary H. (widow of James C. Jones), Robert N., Pernecy A. (wife of Levi Cook), John T. (deceased), Maria E. (widow of W. F. Wilson). J. H. Walker was born November 14, 1827, and remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year; in 1851 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Crittenden County, under M. B. Haynes, in which capacity he served until 1854. In the latter year he was elected sheriff and re-elected in 1856, serving in all four years. At the close of his term of office he engaged in farming for one year, and in 1860, went to merchandising, which business he continued until 1862, when he was elected circuit clerk of Crittenden County. He served as clerk two terms, having been elected to the office again in 1868. In 1879 he was appointed master commissioner by Judge Cissell, which position he still holds. He is also trustee of the jury fund, and in all his business transactions has proved himself painstaking and trustworthy. He was married February 5, 1856, in Crittenden County, to Miss Hortense Gregory, daughter of James A. and Amanda (White) Gregory, formerly of Boone County, Ky. In politics, Mr. Walker votes with the Democratic party, but during the war he was a strong Union man. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Christian Church.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Pages 737-738.