City Directories and History: On the road to York, now called Center street, (in 2012 called Dawson Road or Bypass) on a beautiful eminence several hundred yard from the thoroughfare, is a fine type of old home now the property of Mrs. D.T. Newborn, Eliza Walker. The Coleman house on Saluda street is the only other house that I have mentioned which has remained through its

Heritage Plat Map of downtown Chester, S.C. by Mayhugh – SEE ENLARGEABLE MAP UNDER PRIMARY IMAGE
history in the possession of the same family, and the Walker house is unique in that it is still occupied by a direct descendant of the builder. It has the further distinction of being furnished entirely with family antiques, one corner cupboard having come from several generations. This house was built by William Alexander Walker, the nephew of the Reverend John Douglas.
The Chester paper reported on Sept. 13, 1859 the following, “Capt. Alexander Walker, some half-mile North – is building a fine residence.”
The following excerpts of a letter from the Reverend Douglas is of interest, James Island, August 1, 1859 – Dear Alex, I reed last week on my return from Edisto, where I have gone to preach a Sabbath, your letter…. You must be making rapid progress with your building – It is almost equal to the temple, which went up without the sound of hammer upon it. You scarce allow the foundation to settle before the top stone will be carried up with a shout. I have no doubt it could be made a pretty place… I hope as you are on a hill you will make it what you would wish to be seen. Old Home of Chester, SC by Mrs. John G. White
Capt. Alexander Walker was married to Susan Wylie, the daughter of Peter Wylie I, and his wife Annie Evans Wylie.
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Walker Plantation House Chester Co SC 1859 – Courtesy of Plantation Heritage, March
Unfortunately, this home is no longer standing but architectural elements of the dwelling were salvaged for preservation and re-use in one of Chester’s period homes. The Walker home was a very modern dwelling for its time and featured fine elements of Italianate design while maintaining the traditional one story veranda. The doors, mantels and moldings from this home were simple in design, not desiring the architecture to diminish the rooms use of ornate cornices, furniture, and textiles.
Yorkville Enquirer, October 28, 1863: Officers of the 5th Regt., State Troops
James H. Williams (Newberry) Col.; John A. Bradley (Chester) Lt. Col.; Lucian P. Sadler (York) Major; M. M. Hunter (Laurens) Surgeon; John A. Walker (Chester) Asst. Surgeon; R. F. Attwood (Newberry) Adjutant; A. G. Maybin (Union) Quartermaster; James P. DePass (Kershaw) Chaplain; R. A. McKnight (Union) Sgt.-Major; A. W. T. Simmons (Spartanburg) Ord. Sgt.; L. W. Williams (Laurens) Quartermaster Sgt.; Daniel Williams (York) Commissary Sgt.; William Lorroh (Newberry) Hospital Steward; John Satterwhite (Newberry) Wagon Master; and William R. Briggs (Union) Orderly.
Officers of each company was listed, below are those from Chester and York.
Co. A: John Hardin (Chester) Capt.; W. T. Gilmore (Chester) 1st Lt.; William Hardin (Chester) 2nd Lt.; and William Hollis (Chester) 2nd Lt.
Co. B: John T. Lowry (York) Capt.; John W. Moore (York) 1st Lt.; J. M. M. Cain (York) 2nd Lt.; and William Howell (York) 2nd Lt.
Co. K: W. J. Bowen (York) Capt.; Z. D. Smith (York) 1st Lt. [paper mistakenly had three 2nd Lts.]; A. F. Ferrell (York) 2nd Lt.; and W. L. Robinson (York) 2nd Lt.
Co. L: W. P. Gill (Chester) Capt.; Jesse C. Clifton (Chester) 1st Lt.; David M. Peden (Chester) 2nd Lt.; and Gardner Jamieson (Chester) 2nd Lt.
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