Richard Frederick Walker was born on August 15, 1833, in Virginia. After an apprenticeship as a printer, Walker moved to Richmond, and in 1851 began a career in printing. Walker served in the Home Guards during the Civil War, during which he attained the rank of major, and served on the Richmond City Council in 1863-1864. In 1871, Walker was elected Superintendant of Public Printing for the state of Virginia, and served in this capacity until 1877. He worked at the Richmond Whig until 1880, when he was re-elected Superintendant of Public Printing. After the expiration of this second term, Walker worked in the Richmond post office.
From the guide to the Richard F. Walker letters, Walker, Richard F. letters, 1877-1881, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
