James Walker | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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James Walker

James Walker, policeman, businessman (b at Carluke, Canada W 14 Apr 1848; d at Calgary 31 Mar 1936). He joined the NWMP in 1874 and was given command of the Battleford (Sask) detachment in 1879. While there he served as Indian agent and was the first civilian justice in the North-West Territories.

Walker, James

James Walker, policeman, businessman (b at Carluke, Canada W 14 Apr 1848; d at Calgary 31 Mar 1936). He joined the NWMP in 1874 and was given command of the Battleford (Sask) detachment in 1879. While there he served as Indian agent and was the first civilian justice in the North-West Territories. In 1880 he resigned and in 1883 began a successful sawmill and lumber business in Calgary. He chaired the committee that secured Calgary's incorporation (1884), served on school and hospital boards, and installed Calgary's first telephone. He organized provincial boy scout and cadet corps, and the 238th Forestry Battalion during WWI. At Calgary's centennial (1975), Walker was also named "Citizen of the Century" for his outstanding service.