James Walker

Profile & Legacies Summary

1^st Jan 1784 - 6^th Apr 1847

Claimant or beneficiary

Biography

Husband of Elizabeth Olivia Leslie (nee Shaw), through whom he came into possession of Shaw Park and the enslaved people on it.

Son of William Walker (1756-1838) and his wife Isabella nee McIntyre (1753-1844). Born 01/01/1784 and baptised in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Residing at Cardross, Dunbartonshire, when he wrote his will in 1845 and thereafter living at Shaw Park, Dunoon. He bequeathed all his property to his sister Janet Walker, who also lived at Shaw Park, and thereafter to his nephew James Walker Henderson.

Sources

https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/34466aj/a-plan-of-shaw-park-estate-in-the-parish-of-st-ann-county-maclure-macdonald-lithographers [accessed 22/08/2019]; the will of James Walker of St Ann Jamaica 'carpenter' proved 10/02/1830, PROB 11/1767/282 was that of a different man, dying in 1827 with a natural son named James born in 1821 and with a family network in Banff.

From a photograph of family document (private collection):

"Copy from the hand-writing of James Walker Esq., late of Shaw Park, St Ann's, Jamaica. William Walker, my Father, born 10th August 1756, married Isabella McIntyre my Mother 26th June 1779, born 27th April 1753. The former died, at Bonhill, 20th May 1838, the latter at Cardross, 13th December 1833, -- and had issue

. Jean . . . . . born 20th August 1780.

. James . . . . 1st January 1784.

. Grace . . . . 9th March 1786.

. Isabella . . . . 2nd June 1788.

. William . . . . 29th December 1789.

. Mary . . . . 4th February 1792.

. Janet . . . . 10th October 1794.

William died 10th June 1844.

James died 16th April 1847."

Baptism record: GROS OPR Births 493/ 10 296 Bonhill.

We are grateful to Ruth Connelly for her assistance with compiling this entry.

Further Information

Spouse

Elizabeth Olivia Leslie

Will

SC51/32/5, Dunoon Sheriff Court - precis.

James Walker of Shawpark estate in St Ann, Jamaica sometime residing at Cardross in Dunbartonshire and thereafter at Shawpark Dunoon. Given up by Janet Walker residing at Shawpark, the sole surviving and accepting executrix.

Inventory:

Cash in the house £40

Household furniture etc £290 7s 4d

Sum contained in a Bill of Exchange dated 12/02/1847 drawn by William Sellar of Jamaica £95

Sum contained in another Bill of Exchange dated 08/03/1847 drawn by Benj. Scott Moncrieff of Jamaica £100

Sum contained in another Bill of Exchange dated 20/04/1847 drawn by the Planters Bank Jamaica £100

Sum realised from shipment of pewter from Jamaica on deceased's account £40

Total £665 7s 4d.

It is understood that there are certain utensils and other articles belonging to the deceased situated on his estate of Shawpark in Jamaica but the executrix has no means of knowing the extent or value of these.

James Walker died at Dunoon 18/04/1847.

Will of James Walker of Shawpark Estate in St Ann, Jamaica, presently residing at Cardross in the county of Dumbarton in Scotland.

My sister Janet Walker residing at Cardross, James Ewing Esquire of Levenside, William Mathieson Esquire merchant in Glasgow and Hon. James Geddes of Jamaica to be executors and to take possession of all debts, goods and effects, books, plate and the whole personal estate in Great Britain or elsewhere.

First, payment of all just debts and funeral expenses.

Second, to pay the whole residue of my said moveable estate to Janet Walker, my sister. If she should predecease me without issue then to James Walker Henderson, my nephew presently in Perth and his heirs.

Signed at Glasgow 11/06/1845.

Codicil dated 25/02/1846. Adam Paterson[?], writer in Glasgow to be one of my executors with Janet Walker, James Ewing and William Mathieson.

Associated Claims (1)

Associated Estates (3)

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