Charles Pearsey Walker

Charles Pearsey Walker was the son of Francis S. and Catherine B. [Pearsey] Walker, and the father of Samuel Nathaniel Walker, Everna Walker Frizzell, Lee Walker, James Walker, Tom Walker, Flossie Walker Russell, and two children who died in infancy, Albert and John Walker. This photo was taken during his service in the Civil War. According to genealogist and our Walker cousin, Patrick Pearsey, this is a carte de visite photograph, and probably can be dated to approximately 1861, but as Charles didn't enlist until 1862, it more likely was from that year. Charles was born in 1843 and he does appear to be about 20 in the photo.

Charles was born in Milton, Indiana on April 13, 1843. He was 13 years old when the family moved to Henry County, Iowa. As a teenager he apparently worked as a farm hand in Des Moines County, Iowa for a few years.

When he first enlisted in the service he had a disagreement with a commanding officer and deserted. Charles' father, Francis, was most distraught about this so Charles reenlisted and, fearing reprisals for his earlier desertion, used his middle name, Pearsey, as his last name throughout his term of service.

Charles was in the 34th Iowa Infantry (made up mostly of men from South Central Iowa). In the Paperwork section of this web site are numerous letters Charles sent home during the war, and extensive information about the Iowa 34th.

To view a scan of the picture with its border and before the miracle of Photoshop retouching process, click here.

George H. Stults, Civil War Friend of Charles

The Walkers - Pictures in the 1800s
The Walker Tour
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