David Shelby Walker was the eighth Governor of Florida, serving from 1866 to 1868.
Background
David Shelby Walker was born near Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, the son of David and Mary (Barbour) Walker. His forebears had come to Kentucky from Virginia and had soon risen to prominence in public life. His father represented Fayette County in the Kentucky legislature (1793 - 96), fought in the War of 1812, and was a member of the federal House of Representatives from 1817 until his death in 1820. David's mother died when he was about six years of age, after which time he lived with his sister at La Grange, Oldham County, Ky.
Education
He was educated in private schools. He studied law in Tallahassee in his brother's office.
Career
In 1837 he removed to Tallahassee, Fla. , where his brother George was living and also his kinsman, Gov. Richard K. Call. He was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession. With the powerful support of Governor Call, Walker began his political career by representing the seventh district in the first state Senate in 1845, resigning before the completion of his term. In 1848 he was elected mayor of Tallahassee; in 1848-49 he was a representative of Leon County in the state House of Representatives; and in 1850 he was appointed register of public lands and as such became ex-officio superintendent of schools, which positions he held until 1859. He was an able and energetic superintendent and is considered the founder of the public-school system of Florida because of his influence in securing the passage of the basic law of 1853. Upon the collapse of the Whig party he affiliated with the American party and was its candidate for governor in 1856. Although defeated he polled a large vote because of his record as superintendent, and because he advocated lowering the price of public lands. In 1859 he was chosen associate justice of the Florida supreme court. Walker opposed the secession of Florida and during the Civil War devoted himself to his judicial duties. In November 1865 he was elected governor without opposition under the Johnson reconstruction regime, and was inaugurated December 20. He was in ill health and his administration was a troubled one because of numerous conflicts with the commander of the Federal forces in the state. He opposed the bringing of immigrants to Florida on the ground that the Negroes had the right to furnish the labor supply, and he advised against the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment. The initiation of the congressional plan of reconstruction in 1867 brought his administration to an end. He was nominated for Congress by the Democrats in August 1868, but declined. Resuming the practice of law in Tallahassee, he continued in private life until 1879 when, with the end of the Carpet-bag government, he was chosen a judge of the second judicial circuit, which position he held until his death. Throughout his public career he enjoyed a very great measure of popularity, and, notwithstanding the brevity of his term, he is classed as one of the best of the Florida governors. During the last years of his life he made a reputation as an able jurist. Though successful as a lawyer, he died comparatively poor because of his lavish charity. He was buried in the Episcopal cemetery at Tallahassee. David Walker was a cousin.
Achievements
Walker was the eighth Governor of Florida. He is also known for establishing Tallahassee's first library in the mid-1800s through his private funds in a time where money was not allocated to libraries outside of urban areas, especially in a "rural" state.
Connections
He was twice married: first, May 22, 1842, to Philoclea, daughter of Col. Robert W. Alston, who died May 7, 1868, and second, to Elizabeth Duncan. Of his first marriage there were born three sons and one daughter; of his second, one daughter, all of whom survived him.
