John Walker merchant of St Lucia

Merchant of London and St Lucia (where he died in 1782). Brother of Rev. Robert Walker 'the skating Vicar' (q.v.), whom he made his residuary heir. The extent of John Walker's slave-ownership, if any, is not currently known.

1. John Walker was the first-born child of Reverend William Walker and Susanna Sturment, who was widow of the Virginia merchant Thomas Latimer. Revd William Walker was at the time minister of the parish of Monkton and Prestwick in Ayrshire. In 1760, the Revd was appointed to the Scots Kirk in Rotterdam where the family grew up and where the minister remained for the rest of his life.

2. Will of John Walker merchant of St Lucia [made 11/07/1780] proved 30/08/1782, He was of London shortly to depart from thence to the island of St Lucia when he made his will. He left £100 to his uncle Rev. Mr. Robert Walker one of the Ministers of Edinburgh and his residuary estate to his brother Rev. Robert Walker of Cramond. He instructed his executor in St Lucia Fergus Paterson to realise his property there and remit the proceeds to his executors in England, Simon Fraser and Charles Ferguson. In a codicil of 12/07/1780 he added Alexander Mackenzie of St Kitts as executor. The attestation dated 28/08/1782 shows him as having died late of St Lucia '5th instant.' apparently at Carlisle.

We are grateful to Helen Smailes for her assistance in compiling this entry.

1. Entry on Revd William Walker (1719-1774) in Hew Scott, Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Vol. III (Edinburgh 1920), p.57. See also OPR parish no. 606 Monkton and Prestwick 10/91 (Scotlandspeople Centre, Edinburgh).

2. PROB 11/1094/452.