George Walker (abt. 1690 - bef. 1743)

Born about 1690 in Petershead, Scotland [uncertain]

Husband of Mary (Price) Walker — married 14 Nov 1728 (to about 1743) in Baltimore, Maryland

Descendants

Died before 15 Jul 1743 before about age 53 in Baltimore County, Province of Maryland

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Biography

George Walker was a Maryland colonist.

According to sketches written by the Rev. Ethan Allen of St. Paul's parish in Baltimore, Dr. George Walker came first to Anne Arundel County with his brother, Dr. James Walker from Petershead, Scotland. He probably studied at the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Walker relocated to Baltimore by 1715 where he witnessed the will of Edward Stevenson. ^[1]George was living in Baltimore by 1721 when he witnessed a deed between Johnathan Hanson and Thomas Rutter and would soon after marry Jonathan Hanson's widow. ^[2] He built a house on land near Pennsylvania Avenue called Chatsworth.^[3]

Public Service

Dr. Walker held the following positions in the newly formed town of Baltimore.

1729-1735 - church warden of St. Paul's

1736-1738 - vestryman of St. Paul's

1730 - town commissioner^[4]

Marriage & Family

George Walker was married to Mary Price, the widow of Jonathan Hanson on 14 NOV 1728. She was a Quaker and was disowned by the church for marrying outside the faith. He took over the care and raising of her two children, Jonathan and Mary. He was the father of just one daughter named Agnes.

Death

George Walker wrote a detailed will leaving his beloved wife in total charge of everything and making no provision for any changes if she decided to marry again. He left his large holdings to his daughter Agnes with his lands passing to his three nephews only if his daughter had no heirs. An abstract of his will follows: I George Walker, M.A. and practitioner of Physick and Chirugery in North America above thirty years, but now in Baltimore County in the Province of Maryland having there constantly resided for above 28 years being now sick and weak . . .

• to my beloved daughter-in-law Mary Hanson all my right or interest in a tract of land called Mary’s Meadow laid out for 300 acres, also 1 cow and calf to be delivered to her by my executor upon demand, also the feather bed and all furniture thereunto belonging upon which she now lies in her little room in my house.
• my executor with all speed shall fully discharge unto the said Mary Hanson the full paternal portion for which I and Capt. Robert North are fully bound by the Baltimore County Court.
• to my daughter Agnes Walker all the lands of which I am now possessed to her and the heirs of her body, but in case she dies without issue:
• I give to George Walker, Jr. the second son of James Walker in Ann Arundel County my tract I purchased of Mr. Albert Sellers and also one lot in Baltimore Town.
• to John Walker, first son of James Walker, all that part of Marys Plains which I purchased of William Parrish with 100 acres adjoining called Gills Fancy which the said William Parrish purchased of Stephen Gill.
• to James Walker, third son of said James Walker one parcel called Walker’s wilderness and another called walker’s wilderness.
• my wife Mary Walker to be sole mistress of my houses and plantation during her natural life, if my daughter shall dispose of herself in marriage or otherwise before her mother’s decease, she shall not have any power or authority to molest or disturb my said beloved wife in any possession of the plantation during her natural life, only my wife shall be restrained from cutting down or destroying the lumber thereof saving for the use of the plantation.
• to my daughter Agnes Walker all my English books in general.
• to my cousin James Walker of Anne Arundel County all my Latin and Greek books and my chururgical instruments both pocket and capital with all the medicines except anything my wife may reserve for her own use.
• I appoint my well beloved wife, Mary Walker, my whole and sole executrix.

Signed and sealed on 5 APR 1743 by George Walker in the presence of Wm Payne, Robt. Croxall, Nicholas Rogers. Probated 13 JUL 1743. ^[5]

Sources

1. ↑ Prerogative Court Wills Liber 14 folio 265
2. ↑ Baltimore County Land Records Liber RM HS folio 671
3. ↑ Wright, F. Edward. Inhabitants of Baltimore County Maryland, 1692-1763. Westminster, Md.: Willow Bend, 1987
4. ↑ Barnes, Robert W. Baltimore County Families, 1659-1759. Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield, 1989.
5. ↑ Prerogative Court Wills Liber 23 folio 198 [1]