Nelson Walker (c. 1827 - July 7, 1875) was a prominent community leader in Tennessee and Justice of the Peace. He was born enslaved, worked as a barber, purchased freedom for himself, his wife, and their four children, and became a wealthy lawyer, judge and bank president in Nashville, Tennessee. [1] [2] He was a member of the masonic fraternity. [2]
In 1871 he served as a director of the Tennessee Colored Agricultural and Mechanical Association as well as the Freedman's National Life Insurance Association. [3] Nelson served as Treasurer for the first Negro Masonic Lodge and was influential in gaining support and funding for Mount Ararat Cemetery, Nashville's first black cemetery. [4]
Mason died at his home July 1875. He was described in his obituary as a "prominent colored man" and noted as the first black Justice of the Peace in his county, elected to office in 1866. [5]
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Nelson Walker (c. 1827 - July 7, 1875) was a prominent community leader in Tennessee and Justice of the Peace. He was born enslaved, worked as a barber, purchased freedom for himself, his wife, and their four children, and became a wealthy lawyer, judge and bank president in Nashville, Tennessee. [1] [2] He was a member of the masonic fraternity. [2]
In 1871 he served as a director of the Tennessee Colored Agricultural and Mechanical Association as well as the Freedman's National Life Insurance Association. [3] Nelson served as Treasurer for the first Negro Masonic Lodge and was influential in gaining support and funding for Mount Ararat Cemetery, Nashville's first black cemetery. [4]
Mason died at his home July 1875. He was described in his obituary as a "prominent colored man" and noted as the first black Justice of the Peace in his county, elected to office in 1866. [5]
This article needs additional or more specific
categories. (April 2022) |