Walker, David, 1837-1917
Dates
- Existence: 1837 - 1917
Biography
David Walker was born on December 28, 1837 in Belfast, England. He was educated at the Royal Academical Institute and at Queen's College. In 1856, he received his M.D. from Queen's College at the age of 17. In 1857, he became a licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. He was also appointed surgeon and naturalist for the McClintock Expedition which set out in search of the lost Franklin expedition, that same year. Walker received the Victoria medal for his service. After he had organized his notes and plant specimens brought back from the expedition, Walker set out again and in 1861, visited the western coast of North America to secure specimens of flora for the British government. Deciding to make the United States his home, he joined the US Army in 1865, as a surgeon, a served for sixteen years. In 1887, he moved to Portland, Oregon. In 1896, he was appointed grand medical examiner for Oregon for the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and retained this position until his death. Walker was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the Linnean Society of London and a corresponding member of the Royal Zoological Society. He died in 1917.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
David Walker papers
David Walker (1837-1917), surgeon and naturalist. Consist of correspondence and memorabilia, including some biographical material about Walker, Walker's correspondence with his father David, and the First Arctic Medal awarded to him for his service with the McClintock Expedition, as well as two Navy flags with his initials embroidered on them. Also includes a note, dated 1847, left in the cairn by members of Sir John Franklin's expedition.