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|predecessor = [[Charles W. Waterman]]
|predecessor = [[Charles W. Waterman]]
|successor = [[Karl C. Schuyler]]
|successor = [[Karl C. Schuyler]]
|office1 = Chairman of the [[Colorado Democratic Party|Colorado Democratic State Committee]]
|office1 = Chairman of the [[Colorado Democratic Party|Colorado Democratic State Committee]]{{sfn|"Walter Walker Leads Democrats"}}
|term_start1 = September 18, 1930
|term_start1 = September 18, 1930{{sfn|"Walter Walker Leads Democrats"}}
|term_end1 = September 22, 1932
|term_end1 = September 22, 1932{{sfn|"James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats"}}
|predecessor1 = Thomas Annear
|predecessor1 = Thomas Annear{{sfn|"Walter Walker Leads Democrats"}}
|successor1 = James A. Marsh
|successor1 = James A. Marsh{{sfn|"James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats"}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1883|4|3}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1883|4|3}}
|birth_place = [[Marion, Kentucky|Marion]], [[Kentucky]]
|birth_place = [[Marion, Kentucky|Marion]], [[Kentucky]]
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Walker was born in [[Marion, Kentucky]] on April 3, 1883. He was educated locally, and then moved to [[Colorado]] in 1903.
Walker was born in [[Marion, Kentucky]] on April 3, 1883.{{sfn|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}} The son of Robert C. Walker, the owner of the ''Crittenden Press'' newspaper, Walter Walker was educated locally, and then moved to [[Colorado]] in 1903.{{sfn|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}}{{sfn|"Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction"}}


After settling in [[Grand Junction, Colorado|Grand Junction]], Walker worked in the newspaper business, eventually becoming editor, manager, and chief owner of the Grand Junction ''Daily Sentinel''. Walker's staff included [[Dalton Trumbo]], whom Walker hired as a reporter in 1920, and employed for four years. In addition to running the newspaper, Walker was a civic activist, and his efforts included management of Grand Junction's successful [[Lyceum movement|lyceum]].
After settling in [[Grand Junction, Colorado|Grand Junction]], Walker worked in the newspaper business, eventually becoming editor, manager, and chief owner of the Grand Junction ''Daily Sentinel''.{{sfn|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}} Walker's staff included [[Dalton Trumbo]], whom Walker hired as a reporter in 1920, and employed for four years.{{sfn|''Dalton Trumbo: Blacklisted Hollywood Radical''}} In addition to running the newspaper, Walker was a civic activist, and his efforts included management of Grand Junction's successful [[Lyceum movement|lyceum]].{{sfn|"Walter Walker, Lyceum Law Breaker"}}


==Political career==
==Political career==
During the 1920s revival of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], Walker was an early member. He subsequently turned against the group, and published editorials in opposition. In September 1925, several local Klan leaders including deputy sheriffs and police officers assaulted Walker as he walked from the barber shop to his newspaper office. Others on the street eventually intervened, and before leaving to seek medical aid Walker informed the Klan members that physical intimidation would not prevent him from continuing his anti-Klan campaign. [[1924 Democratic National Convention|In 1924]], [[1928 Democratic National Convention|1928]], and [[1932 Democratic National Convention|1932]], he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. From 1930 to 1932 he served as chairman of Colorado's [[Colorado Democratic Party|Democratic state committee]].
During the 1920s revival of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], Walker was an early member.{{sfn|''Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado''}} He subsequently turned against the group, and published editorials in opposition. In September 1925, several local Klan leaders including a deputy sheriff and a police officer assaulted Walker as he walked from the barber shop to his newspaper office.{{sfn|"The Assault on Walker"}} Others on the street eventually intervened, and before leaving to seek medical aid Walker informed the Klan members that physical intimidation would not prevent him from continuing his anti-Klan campaign.{{sfn|"The Assault on Walker"}} [[1924 Democratic National Convention|In 1924]], [[1928 Democratic National Convention|1928]], and [[1932 Democratic National Convention|1932]], he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. From 1930 to 1932 he served as chairman of Colorado's [[Colorado Democratic Party|Democratic state committee]].{{sfn|"Walter Walker Leads Democrats"}}{{sfn|"James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats"}}


On September 26, 1932, Walker was appointed to the U.S. Senate, temporarily filling the vacancy caused by the death of [[Charles W. Waterman]]. He ran in the [[special election]] for the remainder of the term, but was defeated by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Karl C. Schuyler]]. Walker served until December 6, 1932, when Schuyler was sworn in.
On September 26, 1932, Walker was appointed to the U.S. Senate, temporarily filling the vacancy caused by the death of [[Charles W. Waterman]].{{sfn|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}} He ran in the [[special election]] for the remainder of the term, but was defeated by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Karl C. Schuyler]]. Walker served until December 6, 1932, when Schuyler was sworn in.


==Later career==
==Later career==
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==Death and burial==
==Death and burial==
Walker died in Grand Junction on October 8, 1956. He was interred at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction.
Walker died in Grand Junction on October 8, 1956.{{sfn|"Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction"}} He was interred at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction.


==Family==
==Family==
In November 1903, Walker married Kathie Wood of Kentucky. They were the parents of a son, Preston.
In November 1903, Walker married Kathie Wood of Kentucky. They were the parents of a son, Preston.{{sfn|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}}


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
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The Walter Walker State Wildlife Area near Grand Junction is also named for Walker.
The Walter Walker State Wildlife Area near Grand Junction is also named for Walker.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
===Newspapers===
*{{cite news |date=September 16, 1925 |title=The Assault on Walker |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/cgi-bin/colorado?a=d&d=STP19250916.2.36# |newspaper=Steamboat Pilot |location=Steamboat, CO |page=1 |ref={{sfnRef|"The Assault on Walker"}}}}
*{{cite news |Associated Press= |date=September 19, 1930 |title=Walter Walker Leads Democrats |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/25026037/ |newspaper=Greeley Daily Tribune |location=Greeley, CO |page=12 |subscription=yes |ref={{sfnRef|"Walter Walker Leads Democrats"}}}}
*{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=September 23, 1932 |title=James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/24991157/ |newspaper=Greeley Daily Tribune |location=Greeley, CO |page=1 |subscription=yes |ref={{sfnRef|"James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats"}}}}
*{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=September 27, 1932 |title=Walker Named to U.S. Senate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/54820010/ |newspaper=Ironwood Daily Globe |location=Ironwood, MI |page=2 |subscription=yes |ref={{sfnRef|"Walker Named to U.S. Senate"}}}}
*{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=October 9, 1956 |title=Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/25043936/ |newspaper=Greeley Daily Tribune |location=Greeley, CO |page=7 |subscription=yes |ref={{sfnRef|"Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction"}}}}

===Books===
*{{cite book |last=Goldberg |first=Robert Allen |date=1981 |title=Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lvq3AAAAIAAJ&dq=%22walter+walker%22+%22grand+junction%22+%22klan%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22walter+walker%22 |location=Chicago, IL |publisher=University of Illinois Press |page=152 |ref={{sfnRef|''Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado''}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ceplair |first1=Larry |last2=Trumbo |first2=Christopher |date=2015 |title=Dalton Trumbo: Blacklisted Hollywood Radical |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2SbJBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |location=Lexington, KY |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |page=25 |isbn=978-0-8131-4680-5 |ref={{sfnRef|''Dalton Trumbo: Blacklisted Hollywood Radical''}}}}

===Magazines===
*{{cite magazine |last=Padget |first=William |date=November 1, 1919 |title=Walter Walker, Lyceum Law Breaker |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XWnlAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA4-PA37 |magazine=The Lyceum Magazine |volume=29 |location=Chicago, IL |publisher=Ralph Albert Parlette |page=37 |ref={{sfnRef|"Walter Walker, Lyceum Law Breaker"}}}}


== External links ==
== External links ==

Revision as of 15:20, 5 January 2017

For the British general, see Walter Walker (General).
Walter Walker
United States Senator
from Colorado
In office
September 26, 1932 – December 6, 1932
Preceded byCharles W. Waterman
Succeeded byKarl C. Schuyler
Chairman of the Colorado Democratic State Committee[1]
In office
September 18, 1930[1] – September 22, 1932[2]
Preceded byThomas Annear[1]
Succeeded byJames A. Marsh[2]
Personal details
Born(1883-04-03)April 3, 1883
Marion, Kentucky
DiedOctober 8, 1956(1956-10-08) (aged 73)
Grand Junction, Colorado
Political partyDemocratic
ProfessionNewspaper owner and editor

Walter Walker (April 3, 1883 – October 8, 1956) was a newspaper owner and editor in Colorado who served as Democratic United States Senator in late 1932 after being appointed to fill a vacancy pending a special election.

Early life

Walker was born in Marion, Kentucky on April 3, 1883.[3] The son of Robert C. Walker, the owner of the Crittenden Press newspaper, Walter Walker was educated locally, and then moved to Colorado in 1903.[3][4]

After settling in Grand Junction, Walker worked in the newspaper business, eventually becoming editor, manager, and chief owner of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.[3] Walker's staff included Dalton Trumbo, whom Walker hired as a reporter in 1920, and employed for four years.[5] In addition to running the newspaper, Walker was a civic activist, and his efforts included management of Grand Junction's successful lyceum.[6]

Political career

During the 1920s revival of the Ku Klux Klan, Walker was an early member.[7] He subsequently turned against the group, and published editorials in opposition. In September 1925, several local Klan leaders including a deputy sheriff and a police officer assaulted Walker as he walked from the barber shop to his newspaper office.[8] Others on the street eventually intervened, and before leaving to seek medical aid Walker informed the Klan members that physical intimidation would not prevent him from continuing his anti-Klan campaign.[8] In 1924, 1928, and 1932, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. From 1930 to 1932 he served as chairman of Colorado's Democratic state committee.[1][2]

On September 26, 1932, Walker was appointed to the U.S. Senate, temporarily filling the vacancy caused by the death of Charles W. Waterman.[3] He ran in the special election for the remainder of the term, but was defeated by Republican Karl C. Schuyler. Walker served until December 6, 1932, when Schuyler was sworn in.

Later career

Walker resumed his work in the newspaper business following the completion of his Senate service. In 1936, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Later that year, he was a presidential elector for the ticket of Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner. In 1940, 1944, 1948, and 1952, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Death and burial

Walker died in Grand Junction on October 8, 1956.[4] He was interred at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction.

Family

In November 1903, Walker married Kathie Wood of Kentucky. They were the parents of a son, Preston.[3]

Legacy

The stadium at Colorado Mesa University is named for Walter Walker and his son Preston.

In recognition of his advocacy for air service to Grand Junction, the Grand Junction Regional Airport was named for Walker from 1942 until its 2007 expansion. The airport's terminal, fire station, and Walker Boulevard are all named in his honor.

The Walter Walker State Wildlife Area near Grand Junction is also named for Walker.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Walter Walker Leads Democrats".
  2. ^ a b c "James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats".
  3. ^ a b c d e "Walker Named to U.S. Senate".
  4. ^ a b "Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction".
  5. ^ Dalton Trumbo: Blacklisted Hollywood Radical.
  6. ^ "Walter Walker, Lyceum Law Breaker".
  7. ^ Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado.
  8. ^ a b "The Assault on Walker".

Sources

Newspapers

  • "The Assault on Walker". Steamboat Pilot. Steamboat, CO. September 16, 1925. p. 1.
  • "Walter Walker Leads Democrats". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. September 19, 1930. p. 12. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |Associated Press= (help); Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. Associated Press. September 23, 1932. p. 1. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Walker Named to U.S. Senate". Ironwood Daily Globe. Ironwood, MI. Associated Press. September 27, 1932. p. 2. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. Associated Press. October 9, 1956. p. 7. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)

Books

Magazines

U.S. Senate
Preceded by U.S. Senator (Class 2) from Colorado
1932 		Succeeded by


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