John C. Walker was an American physician and prominent Democrat political figure in

Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis ( ), colloquially known as Indy, is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Indiana, most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana, Marion ...

during the

American Civil War The American Civil War (April 12, 1861May 26, 1865; also known by Names of the American Civil War, other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union (American Civil War), Union ("the North") and the Confederate States of A ...

. In 1861, he was commissioned

colonel Colonel ( ; abbreviated as Col., Col, or COL) is a senior military Officer (armed forces), officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a colon ...

in command of the 35th Indiana Infantry Regiment ("First Irish"). Disagreements with his superiors, including Governor Morton, led to his removal from command and the issuance of an order for his arrest. He was returned to Indiana on an excuse of medical infirmity. He later participated in Copperhead activity in Indiana, the discovery of which forced him to flee to the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

for the duration of the war. He returned after hostilities had ceased and resumed practice as a physician.

References

Griffin, T. K. 1992. The 1st Irish, 35th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865 : a military, political and social history. Thesis, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana. Year of birth missing Year of death missing People of Indiana in the American Civil War Indiana Democrats Union army colonels {{Indiana-politician-stub