Joseph Knox Walker

Joseph Knox Walker (c.1817-August 21, 1863) was an American politician and officer in the Confederate Army.

Early life
Joseph Knox Walker was born circa 1817 in Columbia, Tennessee. He was the son of James Walker, of Columbia, Tennessee, and a nephew of President James K. Polk. He graduated from Yale College in 1838.

Career
In March, 1845, he became Private Secretary of President Polk and the signer of land-warrants. In 1858, he was a member of the Tennessee Senate.

Soon after the beginning of the American Civil War of 1861-1865, he entered the Confederate States Army and became Colonel of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry Regiment. Exposure in camp, at Columbus, Kentucky, and afterwards in the vicinity of Corinth and Shiloh, impaired his health so seriously that he was compelled to resign his command. The Northern General commanding the department permitted him to return on a parole of honor, to Memphis, Tennessee, where his strength gradually declined until his death.

Death
He died at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Wm. S. Pickett, August 21, 1863, aged about 46 years.