1885
J. R. Walker - Gainesville, Tex.
Licentiate - Guthrie Presbytery - Trinity Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1885, page 128]

1886
J. R. Walker - Lebanon, Tenn.
Licentiate - Guthrie Presbytery - Trinity Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1886, page 156]

1887
1887 - Not listed in Ministerial Directory

Joined Ocoee Presbytery - October 2, 1887 (received as a candidate from Guthrie Presbytery)
Ordained by Ocoee Presbytery - October 2, 1887
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 706]

1888
J. R. Walker - Coulterville, Tenn.
Minister - Ocoee Presbytery - East Tennessee Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1888, page 172]

Pastor of the Evensville (name changed from Darwin in 1889) Cumberland Presbyterian Church 1888-1890.
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 327]

Stated Clerk of Ocoee Presbytery - October 5-6, 1888
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 703]

1889
J. R. Walker - Coulterville, Tenn.
Minister - Stated Clerk - Ocoee Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Commissioner to General Assembly - Kansas City, Missouri - May 16- 23,1889
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1889, pages 6, 180]

Stated Clerk of Ocoee Presbytery - April 17, 1889
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 703]

1890
J. R. Walker - Dayton, Tenn.
Minister - Chattanooga Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Dayton Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dayton, Tennessee
Pastor - Evensville Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Evensville, Tennessee
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1890, pages 118, 218]

The Spring City Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Spring City, Rhea County, Tennessee) was supplied by the Rev. J. R. Walker in 1890.
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 481]

Joined Chattanooga Presbytery - Spring 1890
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 679]

1891
J. R. Walker - Dayton, Tenn.
Minister - Chattanooga Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Dayton Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dayton, Tennessee
Pastor - Evansville Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Evansville, Tennessee
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1891, pages 132, 234]

The Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located in Rhea County, Tennessee, was reorganized in 1891 by the Rev. J. R. Walker.
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 276]

Moderator of Chattanooga Presbytery - which met April 15-16, 1891 at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 665]

Date of Dismission from Chattanooga Presbytery - Fall 1891
[Source: A Presbytery Called Chattanooga: Tracing the History of Chattanooga Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1842 to 1989. By Conway Gregory, Jr. Alpharetta, GA; WHW Wolfe Associates, 1994, page 679]

1892
J. R. Walker - San Jose, Cal.
Minister - California Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1892, pages 139, 238]

1893
J. R. Walker - San Jose, Cal.
Minister - California Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1893, page 141]

1894
J. R. Walker - San Jose, Cal.
Minister - California Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Synodical Missionary - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1894, pages 69, 156]

1895
J. R. Walker - 446 N. Sixth St., San Jose, Cal.
Minister - California Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - San Jose Cumberland Presbyterian Church - San Jose, Cal.
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1895, pages 162, 258]

1896
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - Fresno Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, Cal.
Pastor - Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, Cal.
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1896, pages 163, 234]

1897
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Installed Pastor - Fresno Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, Cal.
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1897, pages 198, 287]

1898
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Evangelist - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1898, page 302]

1899
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Evangelist - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1899, page 205a]

1900
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Evangelist - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1900, page 220a]

1901
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Evangelist - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - Bishop Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Bishop, Cal.
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1901, pages 159a, 277a]

1902
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Missionary - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Chairman - Committee on Pastorates and Supplies
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1902, pages 230a]

1903
J. R. Walker - Fresno, Cal.
Minister - Synodical Evangelist - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1903, pages 215a]

1904
1904 - Not listed in Ministerial Directory

1905
1905 - Not listed in Ministerial Directory

1906
1906 - Not listed in Ministerial Directory

1907
1907 - Not listed in Ministerial Directory

1908
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1908, pages 23b]

1909
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1909, pages 25b]

1910
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1910, pages 226]

1911
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - Fresno Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, California
Commissioner to General Assembly - Evansville, Indiana - May 18-23, 1911
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1911, pages 10, 189, 226]

1912
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - Fresno Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, California
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1912, pages 205, 265]

1913
J. R. Walker - Fresno, California
Minister - Tulare Presbytery - Pacific Synod
Pastor - Fresno Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Fresno, California
[Source: Ministerial Directory - Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1913, pages 278, 343]

1914
Ministers Lost By Death
J. R. Walker
Tulare Presbytery
1914
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1914, page 257]

From Rev. N. B. Sitton of California we have received the following:

"Rev. J. R. Walker, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Fresno, Cal., passed to his reward Sunday, February 8, 1914. Pacific Synod is stunned by the death of this good man. Brother Walker was indeed a strong tower of strength of Fresno, in the Presbytery and in the Synod. Faithful, consecrated, quick-witted and always well informed in all matters of interest to his church and absolutely fearless in the defense of the right there did not seem to be a single needed quality lacking in this noble man of God."

Reasoning from the human standpoint it is indeed a great calamity that has come to our dear struggling people at Fresno and on the Pacific Coast. Rev. J. R. Walker was perhaps as well known to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as any man in it, and all who knew him loved him for his manly qualities and Christian virtues. His influence like that of every true minister was always for good. He will be missed not only by the brethren and friends on the Pacific Coast, but by the entire denomination. May God speedily send the right man to Fresno and to fill up the ranks in Pacific Synod.

To his brethren in the ministry Brother Walker, by his untimely death, sends a silent message "Be ye also ready." One by one our men are falling and our ranks are being depleted, but thank God that he is calling and qualifying a host of our boys who will take our places as we pass away and doubtless do the work even better than we have been able to do it.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, February 26, 1914, page 2]

The following was written by his sister-in-law at the time of his death:

Rev. John Roberson Walker was the son of Jefferson C. Walker and Mrs. Roberson Braswell Walker. He was born Aug. 8th 1856 in East Tennessee in the beautiful and picturesque valley of Sequatche. No one who has ever visited that country can ever forget it's grandeur. The tall mountain on either side of the valley are covered with splendid oaks, chestnuts, cedars, pines etc.
Down through the valley flows the river Sequatche bordered on either side with trees and vines, whose rippling water irrigates the fertile earth for miles. The farms over the valley are ideal. Rev. Walker's father was a fine mechanic and architect, and a nice man and a good citizen. His mother was the daughter of Colonel Isaac, and Mrs. Elvina Roberson, who was a devoted Christian. His mother first married a Mr. Braswell and had a daughter called Jane. After Mr. Braswell's death, she married Rev. Walker's father. She died in a few years leaving the children aged nine and three. She had the boy brought to her on her death bed, and laying her hand on his head, besought the blessing of the Lord upon him. His father died in three more years in the hospital at Nashville Tennessee. from wounds received in the civil war. These two interesting children grew up on the large plantation of their grandfather Roberson. As a child Johnnie (as everyone called him), usually seemed sad, sensitive and peculiar, but also very original in thought and expression. He had a brave and pathetic countenance, as the tears were always near the surface, and there was a reason. It came out later, that the boss of the farm, and the older work hands imposed on him unmercifully. He was good and conscientious and strict in his beliefs, having been taught the ways of the integrity and Christianity by his pious grandmother. The manager and his crew could not bear his reproving eye. Hence he was the butt of much ridicule and had the hard jobs thrust on him without mercy. He waded mud and slush over his shoe tops in winter caring feed from the crib to stock pen and stable. In summer, spring and fall, he plowed, hoed, grubbed etc. very often marching to the tune of ridicule the battle cry of cuffs and impositions. He got very little chance for education. Schools were short and inferior. When about twelve years of age, he resolved to leave the house of his grandfather because of the ill treatment referred to above. He told his dear old grandmother who sympathized with him and gathered up his clothing for him. He went to live with his uncle who was his guardian. Both he and his wife were very kind to him. He spent a year or more with them. From there he went to live with his sister who had married a bachelor school teacher, a Christian who held family prayers and also had a good religious library. all these blessings proved a boon to the orphan boy. Here he had the advantage of attending school at Georgetown Tennessee under Rev. S. S. Curry, who afterward became the head of the School of Expression of Boston, MA. His association with this intelligent man was elevating. He had begun to wonder if after all his wanderings and rebukes if there was not enough gray matter in his large head to insure his success if he put it to the test by doing his part.He caught a vision of better, higher, holier things than had ever entered his mind before. "Onward and upward" was henceforth his motto. Here he was converted to god, and began to read his Bible daily and live according to it's teaching. He knew no such word as ?. (couldn't read word) Henceforth, his progress was substantial, and evident. When about seventeen, perhaps, he decided to enter Sequatche College. The superintendent, tho moral and devoted to his work and pupils was not a Christian. This lack left the impression on his pupils, that religion was not so desirable as many other things- for instance education, wealth, promotion in society etc. Here he neglected his Bible and prayers and became cold spiritually. The devil deceived and robbed him of his religious experience, and left him to roam over the bleak mountains of sin for years. He pursued his studies diligently and graduated with highest honors in 1877. From here he went to Pikeville, Tennessee, and studied law under his uncle James Roberson, one of the leading lawyers of the place. After being licensed to practice law, he began a small practice with good success, but somehow had a longing to go west, and soon emigrated to Texas, to be gone six years, but remained only six weeks. The girl he left behind him was the magnet that drew him back. He had been engaged to Miss Edith Schoolfield for two years, and he felt that he needed her association and counsel. She was indeed an ideal Christian girl, strong physically and mentally. R. N. Price, president of Peoples College said she ought to prepare herself as a professor of mathematics instead of marrying. But possibly God designed her to fulfill a higher place as wife of his minister than that of a professor in college. She was not satisfied to marry then, but finally consented to marry in the course of a year. So they were married in January 1880. They went immediately to Gainesville, Texas. There they found Miss Mattie and R.V. Bell, who insisted that they make their home with them until they had time to look around and get settled. Through Mr. Bell's recommendation, he secured work in the county clerk's office--which place he filled successfully for some time. He afterward became bookkeeper for a large wholesale hardware company. Here he was much appreciated and had a splendid salary with promise of an increase. About this time, their first child was born, Lella Cleaves. they attended the M.E. Church South, of which Mrs. Walker was a member. The pastor, Rev. Archer was intelligent and entertaining--but a "higher critic". He did not believe in pastoral calls. Providentially, Rev. Hyde from Chattanooga Tennessee became pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Gainesville and located Mr. and Mrs. Walker as also Tennesseans and in his pastoral calls remembered them and extended himself personally for the young mans reclamation. Later Rev. R. J. Sims held a meeting in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, under whose preaching Mr. Walker became deeply convicted. One night after this meeting, while at home with his wife--both praying and supplicating before God, he felt the call to preach. Another child was born unto them--Robert Fleetwood. As soon as Mr.Walker was convinced that his call to preach was from God, he sold their new home, resigned his lucrative position and went to Lebanon Tennessee, to the Cumberland Presbyterian Theological School taking the full course. He graduated from this school, and accepted the pastoral of four churches, living in Dayton, Tennessee, the principal town of his work. He did faithful and satisfactory work here for four years. He held revivals at different points. God greatly blessed his efforts. While here two children were born to them. A little boy who lived but for a few hours, and a little girl Lucy Fletcher. Before his time expired in Dayton, he had a call from California to evangelistic work. After due consideration with much prayer, he decided to accept the call as soon as his work or time was finished at Dayton. So he journeyed to California and became the Synodical Evangelist of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1891. The call was of God and success attended him in his new field of labor. He held scores of revivals over the state, having power with God and many heard and heeded his word of warning in the great sermons that God had him preach. "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." While he evangelized, his family spent five years in San Jose, California. Here Charles S. was born, the fifth child. From here he moved to Fresno, California., where Milford R. their youngest child was born. After he broke down nervously, his physicians prescribed absolute rest for at least a year and he was compelled to obey and pause. He spent the time of rest on his alfalfa ranch. Afterward he sold the ranch and took work from the local telephone company as a collector, which light work kept him out in the open air. He recovered sufficiently to accept a call to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as pastor, which church he had helped to keep alive during the great upheaval of division, when so many of the preachers and churches joined the U.S.A. Presbyterian Church. He held this pastorate during his last years. In "labors abundant", feeding Christ's sheep and lambs, building a church, also busy with his pen between times. Most of his articles were published in the Cumberland Presbyterian Banner. To God he gave all the glory."Promotion cometh neither from the east or west or south, but God the judge of all pulleth down one, and setteth up another." He never forgot the fact that his mother when near death, besought the blessing of God upon him. His wife stayed at home and raised the family as best she could, while he went forth to battle with the enemy. Disease again attacked him while in the pastorate at Fresno, this time it was pronounced as 'Bright's Disease', which is incurable. While very sick, he remarked to his wife, Edith, "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me in that day." He said "Let this be the text used at my funeral." He was ready and willing to go at his Master's call. As David wept for Jonathan, so did we weep for him.
[Written by one who knew him from his childhood, and knows that a dispensation of the gospel was committed unto him.]

Written by Virginia Schoolfield Sawyer (his sister-in law)

Funeral to be held this afternoon at Church; Well known here Rev. J. R. Walker, Pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, died yesterday morning at 5 o'clock at his home at 3036 Fresno Avenue, following a breakdown in his health from which he had been suffering for several months, but which only became acute about three weeks ago. Since that date Rev. Walker had been unable to fill his [pastorate at the church. Rev. Walker had been able to be about his home until about a week ago, when he could move only when aided. Physicians and a trained nurse have been in attendance. Saturday Rev Walker was not able to leave his bed and that afternoon about 2 o'clock he dropped into a state of unconsciousness. He never revived and gradually sank until he passed away at 5 o'clock yesterday morning. While many never knew that Rev. Walker was critically ill, few realized that the end was so near and news of his demise will be a great shock to the community. The funeral services will be held at the Cumberland Presbyterian church, R and Merced Streets, at 2:30 this afternoon. Rev. D.W. Hawkins of Berkeley, will conduct the services. Beall Bros. took charge of the body. Rev. Walker is survived by his wife and five children. They are Mrs. Rolfe Stewart of Brookings, Oregon; Miss Lucy Walker, a school teacher at Reedley; Charles Walker; Robert Walker and Milford Walker. Mrs. Walker and four children were at the bedside at the time Rev. Walker breathed his last. Mrs. Stewart is coming from Brookings. Rev. Walker was born August 8, 1856, near Chattanooga, Tenn. He graduated from one of the eastern colleges when quite young, read law with his uncle Hon. James Roberson, obtaining license to practice law in that state when about twenty-one years of age. In 1880 he was married to Miss Edith Schoolfield and immediately removed to Gainesville, Texas, where he again secured license to practice law. He was converted in April 1883 and felt so strongly the call of the ministry that he soon entered the theological school at Lebanon, Tennessee, from which he graduated two years later. Rev. Walker took pastoral work at Dayton, Tenn. He remained there four years, meeting with wonderful success and endearing himself to his people so great an extent that they very much regretted his call to California in 1891 by the permanent committee of missions of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, by whom he was appointed state evangelist. His home was in San Jose for five years, when he brought his family to Fresno, where they have ever since resided. He continued in the evangelistic work for twelve years, when from overwork, his health gave way. Doctors prescribed absolute brain rest and to remain out of doors as much as possible. He went to his ranch, where he was sufficiently restored to resume pastoral work. On September 5, 1910, Rev. Walker was urged to take the pastorate of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Fresno. He accepted and has built up
the work and was dearly beloved by his congregation. He carried everyone's burdens, never thinking of self or husbanding his own strength. His health began giving away about six months ago, but he constantly continued doing pastoral work, and preaching two sermons every Sunday until three weeks ago. Since that time he has failed rapidly

[Source: From his obit in the Fresno paper at the time of his death]

Jefferson C. Walker
[son of William Walker and Rachael Eden]
born: 1827
died: 1862 - battle of Stone's River - Nashville, Tennessee
buried:
wife: Jane Roberson
[daughter of Isaac Roberson and Elvina ?]
(1st husband of Jane Roberson was Mr. Braswell; they had a daughter, Jane Braswell)
born: 1829
died: 1859 - Pikeville, Tennessee
buried:

Children of Jefferson C. Walker and Jane Roberson:

1. John Roberson Walker
Cumberland Presbyterian Minister
born: 8 August 1856 - near Chattanooga, Tennessee
died: 8 February 1914 - Fresno, California
buried: IOOF Cemetery - Fresno, California
married: January 1880
wife: Edith Schoolfield
[daughter of William A. Schoolfield and Mary Susan Brown]
born: 1856
died: 1938
buried: IOOF Cemetery - Fresno, California

Children of John Roberson Walker and Edith Schoolfield:

1.1. Lella Cleaves Walker
born: 1882 - Gainesville, Texas
died: 1973
husband: Rolfe Stewart

1.2. Robert Fleetwood Walker
born: 1884 - Gainesville, Texas
died: 1964

1.3. Son Walker
born: c1886 - Dayton, Tennessee
died: c1886 - Dayton, Tennessee

1.4. Lucy Fletcher Walker
born: 1888 - Dayton,Tennessee
died: 1981

1.5. Charles S. Walker
born: 1894 - San Jose, California
died: 1975

1.6. Milford R. Walker
born: 1897 - Fresno, California
died: 1976

 

Picture taken at Rev. Walker's house on Fresno Street in Fresno, California about 1904.