Background
Walker was born February 3, 1839 in Arlington, Indiana to James and Jane (McBride) Walker.
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Ivan Walker
Edit Profileassistant Soldier volunteer County deputy
Education
He moved to the Fort Wayne with his family when he was a young boy, where he attended the local schools.
Career
Walker was working as deputy warden at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City when the Civil War began. He enlisted at age 23 on August 5, 1862 as in Company K, 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was commissioned captain. Following the Battle of Stones River, Walker was promoted to major for his gallant service.
In March 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Following the death of the regiment"s colonel in May 1863, Walker was given command of the regiment without further promotion. During Streight"s Raid, the 73rd Indiana Infantry was captured.
Walker was sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. He and other officers began working on a tunnel out of the prison on February 9, 1864.
Walker succeeded in escaping the prison, but was recaptured by Confederates near Union lines.
He was returned to prison and eventually exchanged in May 1864. After his exchange, Walker returned to the 73rd Indiana Infantry, which was then guarding the supply lines along the Tennessee River between Decatur and Stevenson, Alabama in support of Major General William T. Sherman"s Atlanta Campaign.
Walker"s long imprisonment in harsh conditions weakened his health, and he resigned his commission on July 4, 1864.
Still wishing to serve, Walker relocated to Nashville, Tennessee where he served as a volunteer aide on the staff of Major General George H. Thomas and performed valuable service during the siege and Battle of Nashville.
He served as a Marion County deputy county auditor and state tax commissioner for several years. Walker was serving as Post Commander of George H. Thomas Post Number.
17 (Indianapolis) when he was appointed Assistant Adjutant General of the Department in 1887.
In 1891 Walker was elected Department Commander and in 1893 he was elected Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief. Walker was unanimously elected 24th Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic and served 1895-1896. While attending the 1905 national convention in Denver, Colorado, he became seriously illinois
Walker died November 25, 1905 and is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Membership
He was an active member of the G.A.R. from its inception and served in every office from Post Commander up to Commander-in-Chief.
